IND vs AUS 2025: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Return For ODIs | India Squad Announcement on October 4

Introduction

The excitement is building as India prepares for its upcoming white-ball tour of Australia in 2025. Cricket fans have a major reason to celebrate: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to make their return in ODIs. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is expected to announce both the ODI and T20I squads on October 4, 2025, after the conclusion of India’s Test match against the West Indies in Ahmedabad.

Both stalwarts had last featured in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 triumph and have been away from competitive cricket since the IPL 2025 season. Their comeback is expected to provide stability and experience to the squad against a formidable Australian side.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s ODI Comeback

• Rohit Sharma: Last played in the Champions Trophy 2025 final where India clinched the title. Recently trained at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru to work on batting and fitness.

• Virat Kohli: Has been away from international cricket since IPL 2025 but maintained his fitness ahead of the upcoming series.

• Both had retired from Test cricket earlier this year and stepped away from T20Is after the 2024 T20 World Cup victory, meaning they will feature only in ODIs now.

Their return will be crucial as India faces a busy ODI schedule leading up to major tournaments.

New Faces in the Selection Committee

This squad announcement will be the first official meeting attended by newly appointed selectors:

• RP Singh – Former Indian pacer

• Pragyan Ojha – Former left-arm spinner

They joined the five-member BCCI panel at the September 28, 2025 AGM.
The committee will not only decide the best mix of experienced players and youngsters but will also monitor the fitness status of key cricketers before finalizing the squads.

Key Player Availability Concerns

1. Hardik Pandya’s Injury Status

• Pandya sustained a quad injury during the Asia Cup 2025 Super Over win vs Sri Lanka.

• He missed the Asia Cup final and remains uncertain for the Australia tour.

• If unavailable, selectors are likely to rely on:

  • Shivam Dube

  • Nitish Kumar Reddy

Both are being considered for the seam-bowling all-rounder role.

2. Rishabh Pant’s Fitness Update

• Pant is recovering from a fractured right foot.

• Currently undergoing rehab at the BCCI CoE.

• His inclusion depends on the final fitness report.

• If unfit, wicketkeeping duties will be handled by:

  • KL Rahul (first-choice keeper)

  • Sanju Samson (backup option)

3. Workload Management for Senior Stars

With a hectic international schedule, selectors may look to rest certain players:

• Jasprit Bumrah – Possible rotation due to workload.

• Shubman Gill – May be rested at some stage.

• Kuldeep Yadav – Could also be managed carefully.

In case Gill is rested, options like Abhishek Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, or B Sai Sudharsan may be drafted in.

Predicted India Squads for Australia Tour

ODI Squad (Predicted)

• Batters: Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Abhishek Sharma/Yashasvi Jaiswal

• Wicketkeepers: KL Rahul (WK), Sanju Samson

• All-Rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy (if Hardik unavailable)

• Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh

T20I Squad (Predicted)

• Batters: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma

• All-Rounders: Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar

• Bowlers: Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi

Why This Series Matters for India

The India vs Australia 2025 series carries huge importance for several reasons:

• Strengthening ODI Core – With the ODI World Cup 2027 in mind, India will focus on building a strong unit around experienced players.

• Transition Phase – Emerging talents like Jaiswal and Sudharsan will learn under the guidance of Rohit and Kohli.

• Workload Balance – Managing stars like Bumrah and Gill will be crucial ahead of the South Africa Test series in November 2025.

• Comebacks and Trials – Pant’s possible return, Hardik’s injury, and Samson’s role add to the intrigue of the selection.

Key Takeaways

• Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will return to ODIs for the Australia tour.

• Hardik Pandya’s fitness is a major concern.

• Rishabh Pant is recovering well but may not be risked unless fully fit.

• Selectors may rest Bumrah, Gill, and Kuldeep during the series.

• Youngsters like Abhishek Sharma, Jaiswal, and Sudharsan could get valuable opportunities.

FAQs on IND vs AUS 2025 Series

Q1. When will the India squad for the Australia tour be announced?
➡️ The squad announcement is expected on October 4, 2025, after the West Indies Test in Ahmedabad.

Q2. Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli play T20Is in Australia?
➡️ No. Both retired from T20Is after India’s 2024 T20 World Cup win. They will only feature in ODIs.

Q3. What is the update on Hardik Pandya’s injury?
➡️ Pandya is recovering from a quad injury. His participation remains uncertain.

Q4. Who could replace Shubman Gill if he is rested?
➡️ Possible replacements include Abhishek Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, or B Sai Sudharsan.

Q5. Will Rishabh Pant be included in the squad?
➡️ Pant’s comeback depends on the final fitness test. KL Rahul will remain the primary keeper, with Samson as backup.

Conclusion

The upcoming India vs Australia 2025 ODI and T20I series promises thrilling cricket action. The return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli strengthens India’s ODI lineup, while uncertainties around Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant add intrigue. The selectors’ decision on October 4, 2025, will not only shape the immediate tour but also influence India’s long-term plans leading into the ODI World Cup 2027.

With a balanced mix of youth and experience, India will look to dominate Australia on their home soil and continue their momentum after the Champions Trophy win earlier this year.