The Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee is set to announce India’s squads for the upcoming white-ball series against Australia. The focus is on the ODI and T20I teams. While Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are likely to return, the unavailability of Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant due to injury is a significant factor. This tour marks a key moment for Ajit Agarkar as chairman of selectors. The selection committee needs to balance experience, current form, and player fitness, especially with key players still recovering. The absence of Hardik Pandya, who suffered a quadriceps injury during the Asia Cup 2025, is a major blow. Pandya’s role as an all-rounder is crucial to the team. His absence will open up opportunities for players such as Shivam Dube or Nitish Kumar Reddy. There is optimism that Pandya may return for the T20I series. Rishabh Pant is also unavailable due to a toe fracture. The selectors are not expected to rush Pant back into action. He is likely to return during the South Africa tour in November. Until then, KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, and Jitesh Sharma will likely compete for wicketkeeping duties. The return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli presents several selection dilemmas. The selection committee will have to decide how to balance the team without Pandya and Pant. The squad announcement will provide a glimpse into the future of Indian white-ball cricket under a new selection regime.
