The selection of India's squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, commencing on October 19, 2025, has triggered considerable debate among cricket enthusiasts and experts. While the inclusion of experienced players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli alongside new captain Shubman Gill signals a blend of youth and experience, the exclusion of several deserving candidates has raised eyebrows and sparked questions about the selection criteria.

Here are five players who, based on recent performances and potential, could have added significant value to the ODI squad but were ultimately overlooked:

1. Ravindra Jadeja: The experienced all-rounder's omission is perhaps the most surprising. Despite being a consistent performer with both bat and ball, and a key member of India's Champions Trophy-winning team, Jadeja has been left out. While chief selector Ajit Agarkar cited the presence of Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav as the reason for not needing another left-arm spinner, many believe Jadeja's all-round abilities and experience would have been invaluable in Australian conditions. Some reports suggest that selectors want to give chance to other players in the lead up to 2027 World Cup.

2. Abhishek Sharma: The young opener has been in scintillating form recently, particularly in the Asia Cup 2025, where he emerged as the tournament's highest run-scorer with a staggering strike rate. Sharma's aggressive batting style and ability to score quickly would have provided a dynamic option at the top of the order. However, the selectors have opted for the more experienced Yashasvi Jaiswal as a back-up opener, possibly due to Sharma's limited experience in the 50-over format.

3. Mohammed Shami: The experienced pace bowler's exclusion is another talking point. Shami, with his ability to swing the new ball and bowl effectively at the death, has been a mainstay of the Indian ODI team for several years. While there is no official word on his exclusion, it is speculated that the selectors are looking to groom younger pacers like Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna for the future.

4. Sanju Samson: Despite being a regular in the T20I setup and featuring in the Asia Cup 2025, Samson's ODI career has never really taken off. With KL Rahul continuing as the first-choice wicketkeeper and Dhruv Jurel selected as the backup, Samson has once again missed out. This decision indicates a clear preference for Rahul's experience and Jurel's potential as a long-term prospect.

5. Tilak Varma: Touted as a potential future star, Varma's absence from the ODI squad is a surprise to some. Although he was named as a possible inclusion by the BCCI, Varma ultimately failed to make the cut.

The exclusion of these deserving candidates raises questions about the selection process and the balance between rewarding consistent performers and providing opportunities to emerging talent. While the chosen squad undoubtedly possesses the potential to perform well in Australia, the absence of these players leaves a void that may be felt, particularly in challenging situations. Ultimately, the success of the team will determine whether these selection decisions were justified, but the debate surrounding these omissions is likely to continue in the lead-up to the series.