The wait is over for cricket fans! The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced its strong 16-member T20I squad for the upcoming five-match T20 series against Australia. The responsibility of leading the team will rest on the shoulders of the ‘Mr. 360 Degree,’ Suryakumar Yadav. However, the biggest talking point of this squad announcement is the absence of star all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
On the bright side, one of the world’s best fast bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah, has returned to the squad after injury management. Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has also earned a spot. With a mix of exciting young talent and returning experience, fans are eager to see how this team performs on Australian soil. The series kicks off on October 29.
Key Takeaways: Captain SKY, Why Hardik Is Out, and Who Is Back?
Here are the most significant decisions made by the selectors for the T20I squad:
- Captain (C): Suryakumar Yadav will continue to lead the team in the T20I format.
- Vice-Captain (VC): Young opener Shubman Gill has been named the vice-captain.
- Hardik Pandya’s Absence: All-rounder Hardik Pandya is likely out due to injury management or workload control, a major blow to the team’s balance.
- Bumrah’s Return: The team’s main weapon in white-ball cricket, Jasprit Bumrah, is back, significantly boosting the bowling attack.
- Sanju Samson Gets a Chance: Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has been included in the squad, alongside Jitesh Sharma.
- The Finishers: Proven finisher Rinku Singh and talented opener Abhishek Sharma have been entrusted with roles in the lineup.
India’s T20I Squad at a Glance
Led by Captain Suryakumar Yadav and Vice-Captain Shubman Gill, here is the 16-member Indian squad:
- Captain (C): Suryakumar Yadav
- Vice-Captain (VC): Shubman Gill
- Batsmen: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh,Sanju Samson(WK), Jitesh Sharma(WK)
- All-Rounders: Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar
- bowler: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy
Who is In: The Complete Indian Squad List 16 Players
The final 16 players selected for the T20I series against Australia are:
- Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)
- Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Tilak Varma
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel
- Jitesh Sharma (Wicketkeeper)
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Harshit Rana
- Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper)
- Rinku Singh
- Washington Sundar
Series Schedule and Ticket Prices
The five-match T20I series between India and Australia will be hosted across five different venues in Australia. All matches will start at 1:45 PM IST (Indian Standard Time).
Series Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
| October 29, 2025 | 1st T20I | Manuka Oval, Canberra | 1:45 PM |
| October 31, 2025 | 2nd T20I | Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) | 1:45 PM |
| November 2, 2025 | 3rd T20I | Bellerive Oval, Hobart | 1:45 PM |
| November 6, 2025 | 4th T20I | Gold Coast Stadium | 1:45 PM |
| November 8, 2025 | 5th T20I | The Gabba, Brisbane | 1:45 PM |
Estimated Ticket Prices and Purchase Process
| Detail | Information |
| Estimated Ticket Prices | Standard seating tickets generally start from around $30 AUD and can go up to $150 AUD (Approximately ₹1,650 to ₹8,000 INR). |
| When to Buy Tickets? | Tickets usually go on sale approximately 4 to 6 weeks before the series date. Fans should check the official Cricket Australia website and authorized partners (like Ticketek) from mid-to-late September. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is the captain for the India vs. Australia T20I series?
The Indian T20I team captain is Suryakumar Yadav.
Why is Hardik Pandya not included in the T20I squad?
Hardik Pandya is likely rested or unavailable due to injury or workload management.
Has Jasprit Bumrah returned to the T20I squad?
Yes, experienced pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been included in the T20I squad.
When does the first India vs. Australia T20I start?
The first T20I match between India and Australia starts on October 29, 2025, at Manuka Oval in Canberra.
Are Rinku Singh and Sanju Samson in the T20I squad?
Yes, finisher Rinku Singh and wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson have both been selected in the 16-member T20I squad.
This T20I series will be a major test for the young Indian squad against a formidable Australian team at home. With Suryakumar Yadav at the helm and Jasprit Bumrah returning, it promises to be an exciting contest. Which young player do you think will make the biggest impact in this series?
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