The Indian ODI squad is set to leave for Australia on October 15 in two separate batches from New Delhi, with the final travel schedule depending on logistics and ticket availability. India will play a three-match ODI series followed by a five-match T20I series Down Under. According to sources in the BCCI, one group of players will depart in the morning while the second batch is likely to fly later in the evening, based on the availability of business class tickets.
Former captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, along with newly appointed vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, are expected to join the rest of the Test squad members in the national capital before departure. “Virat and Rohit will touch down in the capital either on the day of departure or a day prior,” a source told PTI. The team will fly to Perth, where the first ODI against Australia is scheduled on October 19.
Player Breaks and Current Commitments
If ongoing domestic or international assignments finish earlier than expected, players in the ODI squad could be given a short break to visit their homes before regrouping in Delhi for the Australia tour. India is set to face the West Indies in the second and final Test from October 10-14.
This scheduling flexibility allows players to manage personal time without disrupting preparations for the upcoming series. It also ensures that the squad maintains peak fitness and readiness for the competitive matches awaiting them in Australia.
Leadership and Team Bonding
Shubman Gill has been named captain of India’s ODI side, taking over from Rohit Sharma. Despite ongoing speculation about the long-term ODI futures of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both players are reportedly keen to continue playing until the 2027 ODI World Cup, even though India will play relatively few 50-over games leading up to the event.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir has invited the entire squad for a team dinner at his residence in Rajinder Nagar, aiming to foster camaraderie before the overseas tour. This initiative highlights the team’s focus on unity and morale alongside tactical preparation, ensuring that both leadership and bonding play key roles as India heads into the Australia series.
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