New Delhi: Senior Indian cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were among the players who departed from New Delhi today as Team India set off for their highly anticipated white-ball tour of Australia.
The series, comprising three ODIs and five T20Is, marks the return of India’s seasoned duo to international action after an extended break from limited-overs cricket.
The tour begins on October 19 in Perth, with the ODIs set to be followed by a fast-paced T20I leg spread across Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Hobart. The series will serve as a crucial preparatory platform for India ahead of next year’s ICC Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup cycle.
The Indian contingent, featuring a mix of experience and youthful energy, was seen departing from the Indira Gandhi International Airport earlier today. Among those spotted were Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, and Mukesh Kumar, alongside stalwarts Kohli and Rohit.
Shubman Gill will lead the side in the ODI leg, taking over the captaincy role as part of India’s ongoing leadership transition. The T20I team, meanwhile, will see Hardik Pandya at the helm, bringing his aggressive brand of captaincy back into focus.
This tour marks a significant phase for both Kohli and Rohit, who are returning to the national setup after a period of rest following India’s 2024-25 home season. Both players will look to rediscover rhythm and form in Australian conditions, where they have enjoyed considerable success in the past.
India’s bowling attack features a blend of pace and spin options, with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravi Bishnoi expected to shoulder the main responsibilities. The batting lineup boasts flexibility and depth, with emerging stars like Rinku Singh and Tilak Varma pushing for more game time.
As the team embarks on this challenging assignment, all eyes will be on how the side adapts to Australian conditions and whether India’s mix of youth and experience can deliver consistency ahead of a packed international calendar.
The opening ODI between India and Australia will take place at the Optus Stadium in Perth on October 19, setting the tone for what promises to be a thrilling contest between two of world cricket’s fiercest rivals.
