The India-Australia white ball series Kicks off on October 19,2025, in Perth, it will feature three ODIs and five T20Is. With the 2026 T20 World Cup coming closer, both teams see it as vital preparation, though several injuries and absences could challenge both the teams early plans.
Australia – Key Absentees and Fitness Concern
Josh Inglis – Ruled Out (Calf Strain)
Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has been ruled out of the first two ODIs due to a calf strain. He picked up the injury in training and is expected to miss at least the opening game. His absence leaves Australia without a regular keeper for Perth. The selectors have called up Josh Philippe, who last played international cricket in 2023. He will take over wicketkeeping duties if required.
Adam Zampa – Unavailable (Paternity Leave)
Star spinner Adam Zampa will miss the first ODI due to family reasons (paternity leave). Left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann has been added as cover. Zampa is expected to rejoin the squad from the second ODI onwards.
Alex Carey – Not Available for the First Game
Regular wicketkeeper Alex Carey will not feature in the Perth ODI as he is playing a Sheffield Shield match to prepare for the Test season. This is a team management call, not injury-related.
Glenn Maxwell – Recovery from Wrist Injury
All-rounder Glenn Maxwell recently underwent surgery for a wrist fracture sustained during training. While he is targeting a return later in the T20I leg, he remains doubtful for the initial games. His absence weakens Australia’s middle order and finishing power.
Pat Cummins – Ongoing Back Rehab
Captain Pat Cummins continues to manage a back issue that ruled him out of earlier domestic fixtures. Though not officially ruled out, the selectors are monitoring his workload closely. He may be rested from some white-ball games to recover fully before the Ashes.
Cameron Green – Rested to Prioritize the Ashes
All-rounder Cameron Green will miss the white-ball series against India as part of Australia’s plan to manage his workload ahead of the home Ashes series later this year. Green has been rested to focus on red-ball preparation.
Effect on Australia
With Inglis and Zampa missing early matches, and still Maxwell recovering, Australia’s depth will be tested. Philippe and Kuhnemann bring domestic form but they do lack recent international experience. If Cummins sits out, Mitchell Marsh could captain again, as he did in parts of the previous season.
India – Injury Updates and Player Rest Plans
Hardik Pandya – Ruled Out (Quadriceps Injury)
Hardik Pandya, Vice-captain has been ruled out of the series due to a quadriceps strain, which he picked up during the Asia Cup. His scans showed the injury needed lengthened rest, and he continues rehabilitation under the BCCI medical team. His absence is a major blow, as India lose their premier pace-bowling all-rounder.
Jasprit Bumrah – Rested for ODIs
Spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is rested for the ODI series to manage workload after a heavy international schedule. However, he will return for the T20I series, where India plan to rotate their fast bowlers. This is a planned rotation, not injury-related.
Rishabh Pant – Still in Recovery (Foot Fracture)
Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant continues recovery from a foot fracture sustained earlier this year. While he has returned to light training, the selectors did not rush him back. KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel will share wicketkeeping duties.
Ravindra Jadeja – Not Selected (Team Balance)
Though not injured, Ravindra Jadeja has not been picked for the ODIs. Team sources say it’s due to conditions in Australia and a need to test Washington Sundar and Axar Patel in the all-rounder’s role.
Mohammed Shami – Left Out (Fitness & Form)
Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has once again been left out. While he insists he is fit, team management is reportedly giving him extra time to build match fitness after an ankle issue earlier in the year.
Effect on India
India’s main concern is the absence of Hardik Pandya, which will be affecting their balance in both batting depth and bowling variation. Yet, the return of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul provides balance. The team will heavily depend on Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav to lead the attack.
What to Expect Ahead
1. Australia are likely to test depth players like Philippe and Kuhnemann in the early ODIs. 2. India will experiment with their bowling combination in the absence of Hardik and Bumrah.
3. The series could help both the teams to identify their key players for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Both teams are expected to announce further updates closer to the second ODI in Sydney, depending on recovery progress for Inglis, Zampa, and Maxwell.
The AUS vs IND 2025 series will begin with both teams slightly weakened by injuries but still loaded with depth and talent. Early setbacks may open doors for younger players to make their mark, and for selectors to fine-tune combinations ahead of a busy international calendar.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
