Get ready for a thrilling cricket showdown! India’s lineup for the 1st ODI against Australia is here, but there’s a twist—Arshdeep Singh or Harshit Rana? Who will make the cut? The stage is set at the iconic Optus Stadium in Perth, where India and Australia will clash in what promises to be an electrifying match. This game marks a new era for the Indian cricket team as they step onto the field under the leadership of their fresh captain, Shubman Gill. But that’s not all—cricket legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are making their much-anticipated return to the squad after a hiatus since March 2025. And this is the part most people miss: While the team welcomes back these stalwarts, they’ll be without the firepower of Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya for the entire three-match series. Bumrah, rested for the ODIs, will rejoin for the T20Is, while Hardik’s injury has left a void in the all-rounder department.
Speaking of all-rounders, Nitish Kumar Reddy steps into the spotlight, filling the shoes of Hardik Pandya. This series could be a game-changer for Reddy, who missed two Test matches against England due to injury. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Reddy truly ready to shoulder the responsibility of being India’s go-to all-rounder? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, Axar Patel and Harshit Rana are expected to bolster the middle order, with Rana’s bowling skills and lower-order stability making him a key player to watch.
In the bowling department, Kuldeep Yadav stands as the lone specialist spinner, while Mohammed Siraj leads the pace attack. The final spot in the lineup is a nail-biter—will it be Arshdeep Singh or Prasidh Krishna? Both bring unique strengths to the table, leaving fans and critics alike divided.
Here’s India’s predicted XI for the 1st ODI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad Siraj, and the toss-up between Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna.
What do you think? Is this lineup India’s best shot at victory, or are there changes you’d make? Let’s spark a debate—who deserves that final spot more: Arshdeep Singh or Prasidh Krishna? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
