East India Batsman and former batting coach Sanjay Bangar Has revealed his Indian XI for the opening ODI against Australia Although he chose to leave -Kuldeep YadavHighest wicket taker in the recent Asia Cup with 17 dismissals.
ODI series between India and Australia
the return of Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli after india champions trophy A win in March adds a wave of anticipation to this clash. Both the legends, who are now retired from Tests and T20Is, are looking to extend their illustrious careers in ODIs. This match also marks the beginning Shubman Gill’The era of full-time ODI captaincy as India enter a new leadership phase ahead of the ODI World Cup 2027. The ODI series between India and Australia will begin on October 19 with the first game at the Optus Stadium in Perth, while the remaining two matches will be played at the Adelaide Cricket Stadium on October 22 and the Sydney Cricket Ground on October 25.
Sanjay Bangar reveals his Bold India XI for Perth ODI against Australia
The veterans return under the leadership of Shubman Gill with the presence of three all-rounders.
Bangar’s XI is built around a strong batting order and a flexible all-round core. Gill and Rohit form a dynamic opening pair, with the young captain’s technical proficiency complementing Rohit’s explosive stroke play. At No. 3, Kohli remains the glue of the lineup, the anchor around which the innings revolves. behind him, Shreyas Iyer And KL Rahul Provide strength to the middle-order, balancing Rahul’s calm, calculating approach with Iyer’s determination.
inclusion of Akshar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy And washington beautiful Forms a three-tier all-round base, each capable of contributing with both bat and ball. Nitish’s presence adds a new dimension: a fast-bowling all-rounder who strengthens India’s lower order and power-hitting abilities. Axar’s reliability and Sundar’s control provide spin variety without compromising fielding or batting depth. By supporting this trio, Bangar signals the template of a new era, where adaptability outweighs expertise, and players are valued for their multidimensional impact. His side looks to be suited to Australian conditions, combining poise with power, experience with youth and balance with aggression.
Also read: Australian all-rounder Cameron Green out of ODI series against India; Replacement announced
A big mistake – a calculated gamble or a costly oversight?
Opinion is divided on Bangar’s decision to drop India’s leading ODI spinner and Asia Cup hero Kuldeep Yadav. Kuldeep’s form had made him an almost automatic selection, yet Bangar’s exclusion of him suggests a position-specific strategy. Perth’s fast, bouncy surface often rewards seam rather than spin, and thus threes Mohammad Siraj, Arshdeep Singh And Harshit Rana Creates a tremendous dash attack. Siraj’s new ball movement, Arshdeep’s left-arm angle and Harshit’s aggression give India a diverse seam unit.
Still, leaving out a match-winner like Kuldeep brings risks. His knack for achieving success in the middle overs could prove vital against Australia’s aggressive batting lineup. However, Bangar looks confident on spin-bowling all-rounders, Axar and Sundar to handle the middle-overs responsibilities. The decision also highlights India’s shift towards selecting horses for courses, where prestige gives way to role clarity and situational awareness. Whether this bold call succeeds or backfires will depend on how well India adjusts to the circumstances in Perth.
