Cricket News: The much-anticipated five-match T20I series between India and Australia kicks off today at the Manuka Oval. This series is crucial for both teams as they prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026. Ahead of the first match, fans are eager to know India’s probable playing XI and whether star spinner Kuldeep Yadav and young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy will make the cut.
Hardik Pandya and Nitish Reddy Injury Updates
Team India will miss the services of Hardik Pandya, who remains sidelined due to injury. His backup, Nitish Kumar Reddy, is also reportedly struggling with fitness issues, casting serious doubt on his participation in the opening match. If Reddy is unavailable, Shivam Dube could get a bigger role in the playing XI as a key all-rounder.
Who Will Open for India?
In the predicted India playing XI, Abhishek Sharma is expected to open the innings alongside Shubman Gill, who will serve as the vice-captain. Captain Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma are likely to take the No. 3 and No. 4 spots, forming a solid middle order.
The team management is expected to back Sanju Samson as the first-choice wicketkeeper after his consistent Asia Cup performances. This means Jitesh Sharma might have to wait for his turn.
Will Kuldeep Yadav Play the 1st T20I?
The biggest question ahead of the match is whether Kuldeep Yadav will feature in the starting XI. Kuldeep was India’s best bowler in the Asia Cup 2025, finishing as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets. Despite that, he was benched in the first two ODIs against Australia but made a strong comeback in the third match.
Given his current form and experience, especially on Australian pitches, Kuldeep Yadav is likely to return to India’s T20I lineup. His record in Australia is impressive — even though he hasn’t played a T20 there since 2018. Comparatively, Varun Chakravarthy has yet to play a T20I in Australia, which might tilt the selection in Kuldeep’s favor.
Team Combination and Bowling Attack
The Indian bowling attack could see a mix of pace and spin. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh are expected to spearhead the fast-bowling unit, while Harshit Rana could be the third seamer. The spin department may be led by Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, providing a balanced attack suited for Canberra’s conditions.
If India decides to go with an extra pacer, Varun Chakravarthy or Washington Sundar might sit out the first match.
India’s Predicted Playing XI vs Australia (1st T20I 2025)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain)
- Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)
- Tilak Varma
- Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper)
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel
- Harshit Rana
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
Full Indian Squad for the Australia T20I Series
- Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)
- Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Tilak Varma
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel
- Jitesh Sharma (WK)
- Sanju Samson (WK)
- Rinku Singh
- Washington Sundar
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Harshit Rana
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
With several injury concerns and form considerations, India’s first T20I against Australia promises to be an exciting clash. Fans can expect Suryakumar Yadav’s aggressive leadership, Gill’s stability at the top, and Kuldeep’s magical spin to set the tone for the series.
