Gill’s Captaincy Debut: Jaiswal Out, Harshit Rana In For 1st ODI vs Australia on Oct 19

A new era for Indian cricket is about to kick off, and it’s already sparking some serious debate. Shubman Gill is all set to lead the Indian side for the first time in an ODI against Australia in Perth on October 19, 2025. But it’s the team sheet that’s got everyone talking, with some massive calls being made right before the big game.

A New Captain and a Shocking Omission

Yeah, you read that right. Shubman Gill is now the captain of the ODI team. As India heads into a tough series against the Aussies, this is a huge moment for the young star. His first task? Leading a team with some surprising changes. The biggest shocker is the likely exclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal. Look, the guy has been on fire, but it seems the management is sticking with the veteran opening pair of Rohit Sharma and the new captain himself, Shubman Gill.

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This means Jaiswal, one of the most exciting players in recent times, will probably be warming the bench. It’s a tough call, and one that has fans completely divided. And with Virat Kohli slotting in at his usual number 3 spot, the top order looks experienced, but is it the right move?

The Harshit Rana Gamble

Expert Analysis

Here’s the thing. The decision to bring in pacer Harshit Rana has been super controversial. He’s been selected to bolster the pace attack, especially on a Perth pitch that’s famous for helping fast bowlers. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has publicly defended the selection, suggesting Rana’s pace and bounce will be a key weapon. The plan is likely to unleash him alongside Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh, creating a three-pronged pace assault.

Experts believe that on a surface offering extra bounce, Rana’s aggressive style could unsettle the Australian batters. But it’s a high-risk, high-reward strategy. His selection came at the cost of other in-form players, which has not gone down well with everyone.

Social Media Storm

As soon as the predicted lineups dropped on October 17, social media went into a meltdown. Fans and even some former cricketers immediately started questioning the logic behind dropping Jaiswal and picking Rana. Hashtags started trending, with debates raging over team strategy. Gambhir’s defense of Rana on October 14 only added fuel to the fire, with many seeing it as a coach backing his personal choice over team balance.

Return of the Kings and a Debutant’s Dream

But it’s not all about the controversy. There’s some great news for Indian fans. The legends are back. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are returning to the ODI squad after a hiatus of several months, following their spectacular Champions Trophy win earlier in 2025. You could see them training intensely together in Perth, a sight that’s sure to give every fan goosebumps.

And there’s more. A new face is set to enter the arena. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is slated to make his debut for India, stepping in for the injured Hardik Pandya. What a moment for the young man, getting his first cap in a high-pressure game against Australia. It’s a huge opportunity for him to make his mark on the international stage.

So, as the teams prepare to face off on October 19, the big question remains. Will Gill’s new-look team and Gambhir’s bold strategies pay off, or will these controversial selections backfire? What do you think of this lineup?