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Former India batter and ex-batting coach Sanjay Bangar has unveiled his Indian XI for the opening ODI against Australia however he chose to omit Kuldeep Yadav, the highest 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’s Champions Trophy triumph in March adds a wave of anticipation to this clash. Both stalwarts, now retired from Tests and T20Is, are looking to extend their illustrious careers in ODIs. This match also marks the beginning of Shubman Gill’s full-time ODI captaincy era, as India transitions into a new leadership phase ahead of the ODI World Cup 2027. The ODI series between India and Australia will start from October 19 with the first game at Perth’s Optus Stadium while the remaining two games will take place on October 22 at Adelaide Cricket Stadium and October 25 at Sydney Cricket Ground.
Sanjay Bangar reveals his bold India XI for the Perth ODI against Australia
Return of stalwarts under Shubman Gill with presence of three-all rounders
Bangar’s XI is built around a commanding batting order and a flexible all-round core. Gill and Rohit form a dynamic opening pair, the young captain’s technical finesse complementing Rohit’s explosive stroke play. Kohli at No.3 remains the glue of the lineup, the anchor around whom the innings revolves. Behind him, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul provide middle-order solidity, with Iyer’s assertive intent balancing Rahul’s calm, calculated approach.
The inclusion of Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar creates a triple-layered all-round foundation, 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 capabilities. Axar’s reliability and Sundar’s control offer spin variety without compromising fielding or batting depth. By backing this trio, Bangar signals a new-age template, one where adaptability outweighs specialization, and players are valued for their multidimensional impact. His side looks tailor-made for Australian conditions, combining power with poise, youth with experience, and aggression with balance.
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A big omission – Calculated gamble or costly oversight?
Bangar’s decision to leave out Kuldeep Yadav, India’s premier ODI spinner and Asia Cup hero, has divided opinions. Kuldeep’s form made him a near-automatic pick, yet Bangar’s exclusion of him suggests a condition-specific strategy. Perth’s fast, bouncy surface often rewards seam over spin, and thus the trio of Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana forms a formidable pace attack. Siraj’s new-ball movement, Arshdeep’s left-arm angle, and Harshit’s raw aggression give India a diverse seam unit.
Still, omitting a match-winner like Kuldeep brings risk. His knack for breakthroughs in middle overs could prove crucial against Australia’s aggressive batting lineup. Bangar, however, appears confident in the spin-bowling all-rounders, Axar and Sundar, to handle those middle-over duties. This decision also highlights India’s shift toward horses-for-courses selections, where reputation gives way to role clarity and situational awareness. Whether this bold call pays off or backfires will depend on how well India adapt to Perth’s conditions.
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