Fifth and last T20I between Australia and India The Gabba, underway in Brisbane, marks an exciting conclusion to a rain-interrupted but highly competitive series. Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first in this crucial match as they look to level the series, with India currently leading 2-1 after four matches.
The first T20 match was abandoned due to rain, but both the teams have given entertaining performances in the remaining matches. Since the Gabba is known for its pace and bounce, its surface is expected to favor fast bowlers initially, before becoming a batting-friendly track in the evening.
Why is Tilak Verma missing from India’s playing XI?
The biggest talking point on social media was its absence Tilak Verma From India’s playing eleven. Captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed during the toss that the young left-hander has been rested for this final match, replacing him in the lineup with Rinku Singh.
Interestingly, the decision has come on Tilak’s 23rd birthday, as the team management has opted to give him a break instead of fielding him on his special day. While the rest may seem coincidental, Tilak’s recent performances in the series have been below expectations, scoring only 34 runs in three innings.
The underwhelming returns may have influenced India’s decision to rotate the team and give Rinku – who last played a T20I during the Asia Cup 2025 – a chance to make an impact in the decider.
Known for his ability to hit boundaries under pressure, Rinku can play a vital role in the middle order, especially on a surface like the Gabba where the ball comes onto the bat well once set.
The change also reflects India’s strategy to balance workload management with providing game time to its main T20 squad ahead of next year’s ICC T20 World Cup.
Also read: AUS vs IND, 5th T20I – Gabba Pitch Report & T20 Records
AUS vs IND 5th T20I: Playing XI of both teams
India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Shivam Dubey, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakraborty, Jasprit Bumrah.
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Matthew Short, Josh Inglis (wk), Tim David, Josh Philippe, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa.
Also read: Not Jasprit Bumrah! Ravichandran Ashwin picks India’s two biggest weapons for T20 World Cup 2026
