India faces Australia in the final ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on October 25, 2025, with the series already decided 2-0 in favor of the home side. To avoid a whitewash and salvage some pride, the team management is expected to make some changes to the playing XI. Here are three changes India could consider to achieve a better result in Sydney.
Yashasvi Jaiswal to Open, Replacing Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill's captaincy debut has been far from ideal, with the team failing to perform cohesively in the first two matches. Moreover, Gill has struggled against the new ball in Australian conditions. Considering this, it might be beneficial to relieve him of the opening responsibility and bring in Yashasvi Jaiswal. Jaiswal has been waiting for his opportunity in white-ball cricket and has already cemented his place as a Test opener.
"The right-handed batter bats at number four in Test cricket and can be tried in that slot in the ODIs, too. His presence will give solidity to the Indian middle-order and also keep Gill away from the new ball, against which he has visibly struggled in the Australia tour so far".
Opening with Jaiswal alongside Rohit Sharma could provide a fresh impetus at the top of the order. Gill can then be slotted into the middle order, where his Test experience could offer more stability.
Kuldeep Yadav Inclusion for a Wicket-Taking Option
One of the significant criticisms of India's strategy in the first two ODIs has been the absence of Kuldeep Yadav. Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has openly advocated for Kuldeep's inclusion, emphasizing the unique challenge his left-arm wrist-spin poses to batsmen.
"This Australian batting lineup hasn't seen Kuldeep before. Historically, everyone who faces him early on struggles. So leaving him out isn't the wisest call," Ashwin stated.
Kuldeep's inclusion could provide a much-needed wicket-taking option in the middle overs, an area where India has struggled. He could replace either Axar Patel or Washington Sundar. While both have contributed with the ball, Kuldeep's proven ability to pick up wickets could be the X-factor India needs.
Prasidh Krishna in Place of Harshit Rana/Washington Sundar
The Indian team needs a specialist quick bowler who can bowl with pace and has variations in their arsenal. Harshit Rana has been expensive in the series thus far, and Washington Sundar's inclusion has tilted towards adding depth to the batting lineup, which hasn't worked as expected. Prasidh Krishna, with his height and ability to extract bounce, could be a more suitable option for Australian pitches. He also possesses variations that could be effective in the death overs. If India are inclined to persist with Rana to build his exposure, they may instead decide to rest Arshdeep Singh. The left-arm quick has arguably been India's best fast bowler in the series but he too struggled with cramps in Adelaide.
These changes could inject fresh energy and balance into the Indian side, potentially leading to a victory in the final ODI and preventing a series whitewash.
