AUS vs IND 2025": Irfan Pathan picks India's playing XI for Perth ODI, includes 23-year-old bowler

Irfan Pathan (Source/Getty Images)

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has shared his ideal India playing XI for the first ODI against Australia. The Shubman Gill-led side is set to play three ODIs, with the series opener scheduled in Perth on Sunday, October 19.

Irfan picked new captain Shubman Gill to open alongside the returning Rohit Sharma. The middle order, according to him, would include Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul, while Nitish Kumar Reddy and Axar Patel will be chosen as the two all-rounders.

In the bowling department, Kuldeep Yadav was named as the designated spinner, with Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh leading the pace attack. Irfan also advocated for the inclusion of Harshit Rana, highlighting the pacer’s batting ability as an added advantage.

"I think Harshit will play. He is the only bowler in this unit who can also bat. I think he will be promoted to the number eight position. I see him in that position as the third fast bowler. It will be an opportunity for him also to perform," Irfan said on his YouTube channel.

The 40-year-old believes the series against Australia will be a valuable learning experience for Gill, given the presence of stalwarts Rohit and Kohli.

"India will be under a new leader. They will play under Shubman Gill. A big challenge for Gill will be with how much respect he moves forward with Rohit Sharma. This is very important. A lot depends on how much respect juniors give the seniors. I am sure Gill respects both Rohit and Virat. It will be important to see how you can take Rohit forward irrespective of his performance. This will be a challenge on the field and off the field," said Irfan.

Irfan Pathan's India XI for 1st ODI vs Australia:

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vc), KL Rahul (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj