India is set to unveil a refreshed and dynamic squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, with young sensation Abhishek Sharma earning his maiden call-up and wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson making a much-anticipated return. The series, scheduled to begin on October 5, 2025, will serve as a crucial preparatory phase ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy next year, with selectors keen to test bench strength and recalibrate roles.
The squad announcement, expected within days, is likely to feature a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talents. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli expected to be rested for workload management, the leadership baton may pass to KL Rahul or Hardik Pandya, depending on the final composition.
Abhishek Sharma’s inclusion comes on the back of a stellar domestic season and consistent performances in the IPL, where he impressed with his aggressive strokeplay and handy left-arm spin. His versatility makes him a valuable asset in the middle order, especially in subcontinental conditions.
Sanju Samson, who missed the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup due to injury and selection dynamics, returns to the ODI fold with renewed focus. Known for his explosive batting and sharp glovework, Samson is expected to compete with Ishan Kishan for the wicketkeeper’s slot.
India’s Likely ODI Squad vs Australia – October 2025
| Player Name | Role | Key Strengths | Recent Form (Domestic/IPL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| KL Rahul (Captain) | Wicketkeeper-Batter | Calm leadership, middle-order anchor | 3 fifties in last 5 ODIs |
| Shubman Gill | Opening Batter | Timing, consistency | 2 centuries in last 6 ODIs |
| Abhishek Sharma | All-rounder | Left-hand bat, left-arm spin | 480 runs, 9 wickets in IPL 2025 |
| Sanju Samson | Wicketkeeper-Batter | Power-hitting, agility | 3 fifties in last 7 List A matches |
| Suryakumar Yadav | Batter | 360-degree strokeplay | Mixed form, but explosive potential |
| Tilak Varma | Batter | Composure, spin handling | 2 fifties in Emerging Asia Cup |
| Hardik Pandya | All-rounder | Pace, finishing ability | Fit again after minor injury |
| Ravindra Jadeja | All-rounder | Experience, fielding, spin | 6 wickets in Asia Cup |
| Axar Patel | All-rounder | Left-arm spin, lower-order hitting | 4 wickets, 70 runs in last 3 ODIs |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Spinner | Wrist spin, middle overs control | 8 wickets in Asia Cup |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Fast Bowler | Death overs, pace, accuracy | 5 wickets in last 2 ODIs |
| Mohammed Siraj | Fast Bowler | Swing, early breakthroughs | 6 wickets in Asia Cup |
| Arshdeep Singh | Fast Bowler | Left-arm angle, death overs | 4 wickets in last 3 ODIs |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | Batter | Technique, anchor role | 2 fifties in recent domestic games |
| Washington Sundar | All-rounder | Off-spin, batting depth | Back from injury, match-fit |
The selectors are expected to rest Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Mohammed Shami to manage workload ahead of the long home season. This opens up opportunities for younger players to stake their claim in the ODI setup.
Abhishek Sharma’s rise has been closely tracked by the national selectors. His ability to bat in the top three and bowl economically makes him a rare dual-threat option. With India looking to build a flexible squad for multi-nation tournaments, Sharma’s inclusion is seen as a strategic move.
Sanju Samson’s return is equally significant. Despite being in and out of the squad over the years, Samson remains one of the most naturally gifted batters in India’s white-ball setup. His ability to accelerate in the middle overs and finish games makes him a valuable asset, especially on flat tracks.
India vs Australia ODI Series – Schedule Overview
| Match No. | Date | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | October 5 | Hyderabad | 1:30 PM |
| 2nd ODI | October 8 | Nagpur | 1:30 PM |
| 3rd ODI | October 11 | Bengaluru | 1:30 PM |
Australia is expected to field a full-strength squad led by Pat Cummins, with Steve Smith, David Warner, and Glenn Maxwell returning to the ODI setup. The series promises high-octane cricket, with both teams looking to fine-tune combinations ahead of the ICC calendar.
Social media platforms have already begun buzzing with anticipation, with hashtags like #AbhishekSharmaDebut, #SamsonReturns, and #INDvsAUSODI trending across cricket communities.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on India’s ODI Squad
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 2.4M mentions | 84% excited | #AbhishekSharmaDebut #SamsonReturns |
| 2.1M interactions | 80% supportive | #INDvsAUSODI #TeamIndia2025 | |
| 1.9M views | 88% inspired | #YoungGunsIndia #CricketBuzz | |
| YouTube | 1.7M views | 85% analytical | #SquadExplained #IndiaAustraliaSeries |
Experts believe this series could be a turning point for fringe players like Tilak Varma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Washington Sundar, who are looking to cement their place in the ODI setup. With competition heating up for the Champions Trophy squad, every performance will be under the microscope.
As India prepares to take on Australia, the blend of youth and experience in the likely squad reflects a forward-looking strategy. Whether Abhishek Sharma dazzles on debut or Sanju Samson reclaims his spot with a match-winning knock, the series promises to be a showcase of India’s bench strength and selection depth.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available sports commentary, verified match data, and expert analysis. It does not constitute team selection advice or endorsement. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.
