Australia has unveiled its ODI squad for the upcoming series against India, and the announcement marks a bold shift in strategy. The side will take on India in three ODIs, scheduled for October 19 in Perth, October 23 in Adelaide, and October 25 in Sydney. Several high-profile changes stand out: Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped, and Matt Renshaw receives his first ODI call-up, alongside the return of Mitchell Starc. Meanwhile, Glenn Maxwell continues to sit out recovering from injury, and captaincy, balance, and youth integration underlie the selectors’ approach.
Read More: Mitchell Starc’s Bold Move: Retires from T20Is to Dominate the Test and ODI Arenas
Labuschagne Omitted After Slide in Form
The omission of Marnus Labuschagne from the Australia ODI Squad vs India 2025 is a clear signal: his recent ODI returns have failed to impress. In his last 10 one-day innings, his highest score has been a modest 47. This dip in output ultimately cost him his spot.
Selectors reportedly want Labuschagne to refocus on red-ball cricket. Because he started the Sheffield Shield season with a commanding century for Queensland against Tasmania, they believe he can regain confidence in the longer format. That resurgence could also keep him in contention for a Test recall.
Dropping a player of Labuschagne’s reputation reflects a willingness to act decisively. It signals to the cricketing world that national selection will reward form, not reputation.
Renshaw Earns Long-Awaited ODI Call
Matt Renshaw, whose domestic consistency has been striking, secures his first-ever ODI selection in this series. His track record in List A cricket has spoken volumes: a recent century for Australia A against Sri Lanka highlighted his credentials, and over time, he has maintained a strong average nearing 50 in domestic one-day games.
Renshaw was previously named in the national squad in 2022 for the Pakistan series, but didn’t get a game. This time, selectors recognize his merit and trust him to add solidity to Australia’s middle order.
His inclusion offers depth and reliability, qualities Australia will depend on in the pressure cooker of India’s pitches and toward a tough series.
Starc Returns, Maxwell Still on Sidelines
The return of Mitchell Starc to the Australia ODI Squad vs India 2025 injects experience and potency. His last ODI appearance was in November 2024, and now, when fitness and form align, his presence heightens Australia’s bowling firepower. He brings pace, variation, and proven big-match temperament.
In stark contrast, Glenn Maxwell remains unavailable as he recovers from a wrist injury sustained before the New Zealand series. Maxwell’s absence will be felt—he is a match-winner in any format. However, Australia remains hopeful that he will return ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.
Selectors appear confident in navigating without Maxwell for this series, focusing instead on balance, rotation, and giving others opportunity.
Wicketkeeping Switch: Inglis Steps Up
Australia’s wicketkeeping plans evolve ahead of the series. Alex Carey will miss the opening clash in Perth as he honors commitments with South Australia in the Sheffield Shield. In his absence, Josh Inglis, having just recovered from a calf injury, steps into both the ODI and T20I squads.
Inglis offers versatility, energy, and a safe pair of hands. His inclusion ensures that Australia’s keeping stocks remain strong and that momentum doesn’t stall due to unexpected gaps.
Maintaining Balance & Preparation for All Formats
George Bailey, chairman of selectors, emphasized that the Australia ODI Squad vs India 2025 reflects a methodical approach. Management seeks to ready the squad not just for this series, but also for the upcoming Test summer and the T20 World Cup. Rotation, match readiness, and workload management take center stage.
Some players will rotate through the series to stay fresh for multiple formats. This strategy helps prevent burnout while retaining sharpness and form. It also affords opportunities for fringe players to stake claims.
Rising Stars and Debutants: Injecting Youth
Australia continues to blood fresh talent. Cooper Connolly retains his place after a standout campaign—he made headlines with a 5-wicket haul for just 22 runs against South Africa. His all-round abilities promise balance and unpredictability.
In addition, Mitchell Owen stands poised to make his anticipated ODI debut. He missed the South Africa series due to concussion but has since recovered and impressed in domestic outings. Owen’s inclusion reflects trust in his potential and offers Australia a youthful edge in key moments.
Together, Connolly and Owen bring youthful energy, hunger, and fresh dimensions to Australia’s lineup.
Full Squads for the India Tour
Australia ODI Squad vs India 2025
- Mitchell Marsh (captain)
- Xavier Bartlett
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Cooper Connolly
- Ben Dwarshuis
- Nathan Ellis
- Cameron Green
- Josh Hazlewood
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis (wk)
- Mitchell Owen
- Matt Renshaw
- Matthew Short
- Mitchell Starc
- Adam Zampa
Australia T20I Squad vs India (First Two Matches)
- Mitchell Marsh (captain)
- Sean Abbott
- Xavier Bartlett
- Tim David
- Ben Dwarshuis
- Nathan Ellis
- Josh Hazlewood
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis (wk)
- Matthew Kuhnemann
- Mitchell Owen
- Matthew Short
- Marcus Stoinis
- Adam Zampa
The squads reflect both continuity and freshness, blending seasoned campaigners and exciting newcomers.
What to Expect in the Series
Middle-Order Stability
With Labuschagne out and Renshaw in, Australia seeks a more reliable middle-order anchor. Renshaw must seize this chance to cement his place under pressure in Indian conditions.
Bowling Depth and Variety
Starc’s return strengthens Australia’s pace attack. Combined with Bartlett, Hazlewood, and Dwarshuis, Australia fields a deep and varied seam unit. Zampa remains the leading spinning option.
Batting Firepower Balance
Though Maxwell is absent, players like Marsh, Head, Short, and Green will need to shoulder the load. All-rounders Connolly and Green add flexibility, enabling tactical batting depth.
Rotation and Format Transition
Given the multi-format focus, expect rotation—players may sit out matches to conserve fitness. This series will test Australia’s adaptability in moving between formats while staying competitive.
Debutants and Breakout Stars
Owen and Connolly offer fresh options in batting and bowling. They may play pivotal roles, especially if Australia faces adversity mid-series.
Challenges and Risks
Indian Conditions: Low, turning pitches will test Australia’s batters and spinners. Local experience and adaptability will matter.
- Pressure of Expectations: India is a formidable opponent at home. Australia must avoid complacency.
- Injury Risks: With key players like Maxwell recovering, depth must absorb any late disruptions.
- Seam vs Spin Balance: Australia’s attack could be heavy on pace; spinners will need to step up in turning tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who has been dropped from Australia’s ODI squad for the India 2025 series?
Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped due to poor ODI form. His highest score in the last ten innings was only 47, prompting selectors to give him time to focus on domestic cricket.
Why was Matt Renshaw selected for the Australia ODI Squad vs India 2025?
Matt Renshaw earned his first ODI call-up after consistent performances in domestic and Australia A matches. His strong average of nearly 50 in List A cricket and a recent century against Sri Lanka A made his selection well-deserved.
Is Mitchell Starc returning to the squad?
Yes. Mitchell Starc returns after missing recent ODIs. His comeback strengthens Australia’s pace attack with world-class experience and raw speed.
Why is Glenn Maxwell not part of the ODI squad?
Glenn Maxwell continues to recover from a wrist injury sustained before the New Zealand series. The selectors hope he will regain full fitness before the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Who will keep wickets for Australia in the ODI series against India?
Josh Inglis will take wicketkeeping duties in the opening match, as Alex Carey will miss the first ODI due to Sheffield Shield commitments. Carey is expected to rejoin later in the series.
Who are the rising stars to watch in this series?
Cooper Connolly and Mitchell Owen are two exciting young talents. Connolly impressed with a five-wicket haul against South Africa, while Owen is likely to make his ODI debut after recovering from a concussion.
What strategy are selectors focusing on for this series?
Selectors aim to balance preparation for both the upcoming home Test summer and the 2026 T20 World Cup. Player rotation and workload management are key to keeping the squad fresh across formats.
Conclusion
The Australia ODI Squad vs India 2025 embodies a refreshing blend of youth, experience, and renewed intent. By dropping Marnus Labuschagne and welcoming Matt Renshaw for his long-awaited debut, selectors have shown boldness and trust in current form. The return of Mitchell Starc adds world-class pace, while emerging stars like Cooper Connolly and Mitchell Owen inject vitality and enthusiasm into the lineup.
