The much-awaited ODI series between India and Australia began today at the Optus Stadium in Perth, marking the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to international cricket after eight months. However, one notable absentee from India’s lineup — and the series altogether — is pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
The star fast bowler has been rested by the selection panel led by Ajit Agarkar as part of a workload management strategy. Despite being a key figure across all formats, Bumrah was excluded from the ODI squad to ensure he remains fresh and fully fit for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Australia, which begins on October 29.
With the 2026 ODI World Cup still two years away, the management appears to be prioritizing Bumrah’s long-term fitness and preparing him for the T20 World Cup scheduled for next year.
Explaining the decision, chief selector Ajit Agarkar said during the squad announcement:
“We have already rested him for the one-day games. We will manage his workload whenever possible. Since the Manchester Test, there was about a month and a half break. There is always a plan to give him a break when needed. He is crucial for the team, but we also need to consider the team’s interests. Bumrah is always available when required. We will manage the workload of all seamers, including Mohammed Siraj, to minimise the risk of injury.”
Meanwhile, Australia captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and opted to bowl first, extending India’s run of 16 consecutive toss losses in ODIs. The last time India won the toss in the format was during the 2023 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium.
India Playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (w), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh.
Australia Playing XI: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Matthew Short, Josh Philippe (w), Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Josh Hazlewood.
As India bats first, fans will be eager to witness Rohit and Kohli’s return to the crease — even as the team manages without its frontline pacer.
