Australia, a perennial powerhouse, is set to host a revamped Indian team that has been on a winning streak in recent months. The highly anticipated three-match ODI series between these two cricketing giants kicks off on Sunday.
India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, recently showcased his skills during the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four T20 match against Pakistan, and now the team returns to Australia with two of its legendary players, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have stepped back from all other formats of the game.
On the other hand, Australia will be missing their key fast bowler and team leader, Pat Cummins, due to a lower-back stress injury. However, the Australian squad is known for its depth and will likely find capable replacements. A more pressing concern for the Aussies is the potential absence of Cummins for the upcoming Ashes series against England later this year, which could jeopardize their chances of retaining the Ashes.
India’s lineup features a mix of experienced veterans and emerging talents who have made significant strides recently. The national team resembles a production line of exceptional players, making the inclusion of Sharma and Kohli somewhat unexpected. Many wonder if it might be wiser to focus on younger players who can lead the team in the years to come.
Earlier this year, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi made headlines by representing India in the Under-19 World Cup and impressively debuted for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League. Additionally, Yashasvi Jaiswal, at just 23, has quickly risen to stardom.
With the 50-over World Cup just two years away, it remains uncertain how Sharma and Kohli fit into India’s long-term strategy, especially considering Sharma will be 40 and Kohli 39 by then. Nevertheless, Kohli’s experience could be crucial, as he has excelled in Australia, amassing 802 runs in 18 matches, while Sharma has scored 990 runs in 19 innings Down Under.