AUS Vs IND: Washington Sundar Out Kuldeep Yadav In! India’s Probable Playing XI For The Final ODI Clash Against Australia

Sydney, October 25, 2025 — The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) as India brace for the final ODI of the three-match series against Australia. With the hosts having already sealed the series 2-0 following commanding victories in Perth and Adelaide, the third ODI now transforms into a battle for redemption and pride for the visitors. For captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir, the game offers not just an opportunity to salvage confidence but also to reset the tone before the upcoming T20I leg of the tour.

A Series Slipping Away: India’s Need for Redemption

When India landed in Australia earlier this month, expectations were high. A rejuvenated squad under Gill, featuring a mix of experienced stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul, was expected to test a relatively young Australian side led by Mitchell Marsh. Yet, the storyline has unfolded very differently.

India’s seven-wicket defeat in the rain-hit opener at Perth and a heartbreaking two-wicket loss in Adelaide have left them chasing shadows. The team’s problems have been multi-dimensional — faltering top-order, inconsistent middle-order, and an underwhelming spin attack.
Now, with the series gone, the SCG clash is as much about tactical correction as it is about mental resilience. Gambhir, known for his aggressive mindset and strategic nous, is reportedly keen to inject fresh intent into the side’s approach.

“This team has the potential to beat any opponent, but we’ve lacked execution at crucial moments,” a source close to the Indian camp revealed. “The SCG game isn’t just about winning; it’s about rediscovering balance before the shorter format.”

Kuldeep Yadav’s Probable Return: The Spin Equation Finally Balances

Perhaps the biggest talking point ahead of the third ODI revolves around Kuldeep Yadav’s expected return to the playing XI. His absence in the first two games raised eyebrows across the cricketing fraternity, especially given his current form. The left-arm wrist-spinner has been India’s most reliable limited-overs bowler over the past year and was instrumental during the Asia Cup 2025, where he took 17 wickets in seven matches at a stunning average of 16.4.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan summed it up aptly on commentary during the Adelaide ODI:

“Leaving Kuldeep out of the first two games was surprising. He’s a proven match-winner and gives India the ability to take wickets in the middle overs — something they’ve badly missed.”

The likely change sees Washington Sundar making way for Kuldeep. Sundar’s contribution in this series has been modest at best — just three wickets across two games and limited impact with the bat. While his off-spin offers control, the lack of breakthroughs allowed Australia’s middle order, especially Matthew Short and Cooper Connolly, to dictate terms.

Kuldeep, with his deceptive wrong’un and ability to bowl in attacking lines, presents a potent challenge to Australia’s right-hand-dominated batting order. The SCG pitch, known to offer spin and grip as the match progresses, could finally play to his strengths.

The Spin Debate: Experts Weigh In

Several former cricketers have voiced their opinions about India’s spin strategy. Parthiv Patel, during a post-match show, remarked,

“India looked one-dimensional with Sundar and Axar bowling similar lines. Kuldeep brings variety — he forces batters to take risks.”

Indeed, India’s overreliance on all-rounders has diluted their wicket-taking capacity. The combination of Sundar, Axar Patel, and Nitish Kumar Reddy has strengthened the batting depth but reduced penetration in the middle overs — an area where Australia have capitalized consistently.

The SCG’s longer boundaries and traditionally slower surface make Kuldeep’s inclusion almost inevitable. Expect him to be the X-factor India desperately need to avoid a whitewash.

Batting Under the Microscope: Kohli’s Rare Slump and Gill’s Leadership Test

If the bowling has lacked bite, the batting has lacked backbone. India’s top order — usually their strongest suit — has faltered spectacularly. Virat Kohli’s back-to-back ducks have become the headline of the tour, marking the first time in his ODI career he has been dismissed for zero in consecutive innings. Both dismissals — to Mitchell Starc and Xavier Bartlett — came through movement off the seam, exposing an uncharacteristic vulnerability early in his innings.

Kohli’s body language in Adelaide spoke volumes. The normally composed champion looked frustrated, a sign of the mounting pressure. As whispers grow about whether this could be his final ODI series in Australia, the SCG provides a perfect backdrop for redemption. Kohli’s ODI record at the venue remains impressive — 647 runs in 13 matches at an average near 55, including three centuries. Few stadiums have seen him in full flow like Sydney.

Skipper Shubman Gill is also in the spotlight. Scores of 15 and nine from the first two games have prompted questions about his captaincy and form. Yet, those close to the dressing room insist Gambhir has thrown his full support behind the young leader, emphasizing patience and clarity.

“Gill is still learning as a captain, but his calm approach under pressure is commendable,” said a senior BCCI official. “This is a phase every leader faces early in their career.”

At the top, Rohit Sharma’s fluent 73 in Adelaide was a bright spot, offering glimpses of his vintage stroke play. Shreyas Iyer’s 61 and Axar Patel’s gritty 44 also provided some stability in the middle order. However, India’s inability to convert starts into big scores has left them consistently short of defendable totals.

Possible Line-Up Tweaks: Gambhir’s Tactical Mind at Work

Given the circumstances, a reshuffle in India’s XI looks imminent. Reports suggest Prasidh Krishna could replace Harshit Rana, who went for 64 runs in his 9 overs in Adelaide. Prasidh’s extra bounce and seam movement are tailor-made for the SCG, where early swing often plays a crucial role under lights.

The rest of the bowling unit seems set — Mohammed Siraj has been impressive with the new ball, and Arshdeep Singh’s ability to swing it both ways has kept him in contention. Axar Patel’s all-round value ensures he remains part of the setup, complementing Kuldeep in what could be India’s first proper spin combination of the tour.

India’s probable XI for the final ODI:
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj.

Australia’s Momentum: Youthful Confidence Meets Tactical Depth

On the other side, Australia have looked sharp, composed, and balanced. Captain Mitchell Marsh has led from the front, backed by the brilliance of youngsters like Matthew Short, Cooper Connolly, and Xavier Bartlett. Their ability to absorb pressure and respond with aggression has been the defining difference in this series.

The hosts have, however, made a few changes ahead of the Sydney clash. Marnus Labuschagne has been released to prepare for domestic cricket, paving the way for Jack Edwards, who earns his maiden call-up. Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis returns after a brief injury layoff, while Matthew Kuhnemann is back to reinforce the spin department.
The main threat, however, remains Adam Zampa — fresh from his four-wicket haul in Adelaide. The SCG’s conditions are tailor-made for him, and his match-up against India’s middle order could again decide the outcome.

Sydney Cricket Ground Pitch Report and Conditions

The SCG has always been one of Australia’s most fascinating cricket venues — equal parts charm and challenge. The pitch typically begins as a batting paradise, allowing free stroke play, but progressively assists spinners as the game moves into its latter stages.

Historically, the venue has seen teams batting first win 96 of 168 ODIs, though recent matches under lights have seen a trend favoring chasing sides. The average first-innings score hovers around 224, but any total above 280 tends to be competitive.

The weather forecast for Saturday looks ideal — bright sunshine during the afternoon and mild evening conditions with temperatures between 18–22°C. Light winds from the northeast and low humidity will create near-perfect playing conditions.

SCG ODI stats overview:

Total matches: 168
Matches won batting first: 96
Matches won bowling first: 66
Average 1st innings score: 224
Average 2nd innings score: 189
Highest total: 408/5 (South Africa vs West Indies)
Lowest total: 63/10 (India vs Australia)
Highest chase: 334/8 (Australia vs England)

The surface, expected to be a fresh hybrid drop-in, should favor batters early but could see grip for spinners by the 30th over. Under lights, dew might play a minor role, potentially easing chasing conditions.

Key Battles to Watch

1. Virat Kohli vs Adam Zampa

A modern-day rivalry that needs no introduction. Zampa has dismissed Kohli eight times in ODIs, more than any other bowler. With Kohli desperate for runs and Zampa in rhythm, this duel could define the evening.

2. Rohit Sharma vs Mitchell Starc

Rohit’s effortless timing against Starc’s fiery pace has produced some iconic moments in the past. Expect fireworks if both click early.

3. Kuldeep Yadav vs Matthew Short

Kuldeep’s comeback could hinge on how he handles Short, who has punished India’s spinners throughout the series. A few early wickets here could swing momentum dramatically.

What’s at Stake: More Than Just a Win

For Australia, the motivation is simple — complete a 3-0 clean sweep and extend their home dominance. A win would also serve as perfect preparation for the T20Is and strengthen their bench depth heading into next year’s ICC Champions Trophy.

For India, it’s about rediscovering their rhythm and proving they can adapt under pressure. The upcoming T20 series looms large, and a victory in Sydney would not only boost morale but also silence growing criticism of Gill’s captaincy.

Cricket pundit Michael Clarke recently said on Fox Sports,

“India are too good a side to go down 3-0. The SCG suits them. Expect Kohli to bounce back big.”

The pressure, however, remains immense. Another loss would mean India’s first ODI whitewash in Australia since 2016 — a scenario they’re desperate to avoid.

Pride on the Line in Sydney

As the sun sets over the SCG on Saturday evening, both teams will walk out with contrasting mindsets but shared ambition. Australia, buoyed by confidence, will seek to end the series in style. India, wounded yet determined, will look to script a turnaround driven by pride and purpose.

This final ODI isn’t just about numbers or statistics — it’s about narrative. For Gill, it’s a leadership test. For Kohli, it’s a shot at redemption. For Gambhir, it’s a chance to reshape a team’s mindset. And for Indian fans, it’s a moment to believe again that even in defeat, greatness can rise.

If history has taught us anything about Indian cricket, it’s this — when cornered, they fight back.
Come Saturday, the Sydney Cricket Ground might just witness that spirit once more.

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