Hobart, November 2, 2025 - India and Australia are set to clash in the 3rd T20I at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart, with India looking to bounce back in the five-match series. After a disappointing loss in the previous match, the Indian team is expected to make significant changes to their playing XI.
Toss Update:
Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and elected to bowl first. He felt the ball would come onto the bat better in the second innings.
Changes in Playing XI:
India have made three changes to their Playing XI. Jitesh Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, and Washington Sundar have been included in the team. Sanju Samson, Harshit Rana, and Kuldeep Yadav have been dropped. The inclusion of Arshdeep Singh is particularly noteworthy, considering his status as India's highest wicket-taker in T20Is, despite not always finding a permanent place in the team.
Australia have made one change to their side, with Sean Abbott replacing Josh Hazlewood. Hazlewood has left the series to begin preparations for the Ashes.
Playing XIs:
- Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Matt Short, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Sean Abbott, and Matt Kuhnemann.
- India: Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Jasprit Bumrah.
The Context:
India's team selection has been under scrutiny, particularly after the previous game where they played three spinners and left out a specialist fast bowler like Arshdeep Singh on a lively track. The decision to include Shivam Dube at No. 8 in the previous match, without him bowling, also raised questions about the team's balance. With Hazlewood out of the Australian side, the Indian batters may breathe a sigh of relief.
India will be aiming to level the series in this crucial encounter.
