India's white-ball squads for the upcoming tour of Australia are expected to be finalized soon, with selectors preparing to make key calls on both experienced and emerging players.
The series will see a mix of returning campaigners and potential new inclusions as the team gears up for a busy stretch of international cricket. However, the timing of the announcement is not fixed yet and hinges on the completion of the ongoing Test against the West Indies.
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When will India's ODI squad for Australia be announced?
According to an IANS report, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel is likely to pick the ODI and T20I squads on Saturday. But the official announcement will only come after the first Test between India and West Indies concludes in Ahmedabad.
This meeting will also be the first attended by newly appointed selectors RP Singh and Pragyan Ojha, who joined the panel during the BCCI AGM last week.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli set for ODI return
Senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are poised to return to India's ODI setup. Both last played in the Champions Trophy earlier this year before stepping away from T20Is and retiring from Tests.
While they haven't played in competitive cricket since IPL 2025, Rohit recently trained at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, signalling preparations for the ODI series.
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Hardik Pandya fitness cloud, other player updates
One of the biggest uncertainties remains Hardik Pandya's availability. The all-rounder has been recovering from a quad injury sustained during the Asia Cup.
If he misses the tour, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shivam Dube are in line for the seam-bowling all-rounder roles. Meanwhile, wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant is making progress in rehab for a fractured foot.
His inclusion will depend on fitness clearance. KL Rahul is likely to remain the first-choice keeper, and Sanju Samson is a backup option.
India's tour of Australia starts with three ODIs on October 19 (Perth), October 23 (Adelaide), and October 25 (Sydney), followed by five T20Is running until November 8. The squad announcement, once confirmed, will set the tone for this crucial overseas assignment.
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