Sydney, October 25, 2025 - India and Australia face off in the 3rd and final ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), with Australia having already clinched the series. The match, a dead rubber in terms of the series result, still holds significance for both teams. Australia eyes a clean sweep, a feat they have never achieved against India in ODIs, while India seeks to salvage pride and avoid a series whitewash.
All eyes will be on the Indian team selection, particularly the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav. The wrist-spinner has been warming the bench in the first two matches, raising eyebrows given his potential to provide crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs. With the SCG pitch expected to be spin-friendly, his inclusion could be the game-changer India needs. There has been severe criticism regarding the exclusion of Kuldeep Yadav from the playing XI in the first two matches despite his good form.
Another key focus will be on Virat Kohli's form. The veteran batter has had a string of low scores, including consecutive ducks for the first time in his ODI career. This match presents a crucial opportunity for Kohli to rediscover his touch and silence his critics.
Adding to the significance, this could potentially be the last time fans see Kohli and Rohit Sharma play an ODI on Australian soil. Both veterans, now only playing ODIs, will want to make the most of what could be their final tour Down Under. Rohit Sharma showed signs of returning to form with a well-made 73 in the previous ODI, and he will be looking to build on that innings.
India's predicted XI could see a few changes. Besides Kuldeep Yadav's potential inclusion, Prasidh Krishna could replace Harshit Rana in the pace attack. The possible Indian XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj.
Australia, on the other hand, might shuffle their pack to test their bench strength, having already secured the series. Marnus Labuschagne has been released from the squad to return to Queensland for Sheffield Shield fixture. Josh Inglis has recovered from his calf strain and has joined the squad in Sydney. Jack Edwards has also been added to the ODI squad.
The weather forecast for Sydney is ideal for cricket, with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 25°C. The toss is scheduled for 8:30 AM IST. India will be aiming to improve their poor record at the SCG, where they have won only two of their 19 matches.
