Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been released from India’s T20I squad currently touring Australia, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Sunday. The decision comes with two matches still remaining in the five-match T20I series, which is currently level at 1-1.

According to the BCCI, the move was made to allow Kuldeep to get valuable red-ball match practice ahead of the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa, starting November 14. He will now join the India A squad for their second unofficial Test against South Africa A, scheduled to begin on November 6 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

“The Indian team management has requested to release Kuldeep Yadav from the ongoing T20I series in Australia to allow him to participate in the India A series against South Africa A,” the BCCI said in its statement. “The decision has been taken to provide Kuldeep with red-ball game time in preparation for the upcoming Test series against South Africa.”

Kuldeep Yadav Set to Join India A Squad

Kuldeep’s inclusion strengthens an already formidable India A lineup led by Rishabh Pant, who recently returned to competitive cricket after injury. The squad also features several Test regulars, including KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna.

India A won the first four-day match against South Africa A by three wickets, with Pant scoring a crucial 90 in the second innings. Kuldeep’s addition is expected to bolster the spin department for the second match.

India A squad for 2nd unofficial Test: Rishabh Pant (C & WK), KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Sai Sudharsan (VC), Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurnoor Brar, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav.

ALSO SEE: [WATCH] Rohit Sharma, Sachin Tendulkar and other cricket legends attend IND vs SA ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final

Focus Shifts to Red-Ball Preparation

Kuldeep did not feature in India’s playing XI during their series-levelling win in Hobart in the third T20I. He last played a Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru in October 2024 before impressing in the two-Test series against West Indies earlier this year, where he claimed 12 wickets, including a five-wicket haul.

India’s Test series against South Africa begins at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 14, followed by the second Test in Guwahati from November 22.

India’s Updated T20I Squad for Final Two Matches

With Kuldeep’s release, India’s squad for the last two T20Is against Australia is as follows: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar.

Kuldeep’s release highlights India’s long-term planning as they balance immediate white-ball commitments with preparations for the crucial red-ball contests ahead. The move also underscores the management’s emphasis on ensuring players gain the right match exposure in the buildup to major Test assignments.

India bounced back in the ongoing 5-match T20I series by winning the third match (AUS vs IND 3rd T20I) at the Ninja stadium. Washington Sundar and Jitesh Sharma's flamboyant batting confirm the win for the touring side. 

Toss and the first innings: 

After a long time, India, in this match, won the toss and decided to bowl first. For this game, India made multiple changes in the playing XI. The inclusion of Arshdeep Singh proved instantly effective as he picked up the wickets of Travis Head and Josh Inglis without wasting any time. In the match, the pacer got 3 wickets to his name and was named the best player of the match. 

Tim David emerged as the main hurdle for the Indian bowling department. The right-handed batter played a cracking 74-run innings before losing his scalp against Shivam Dube. Tilak Varma took an extraordinary catch near the boundary rope, at the long-off region, to get rid of the swashbuckling batter. Marcus Stoinis also was in good touch, scoring 64 off 39. Arshedeep cleared him from the track through a caught and bowled process. With the power-pack knocks from Head and Stoinis, Australia registered 186 runs in the first innings. 

Australia: Australia · 186/6 (20)

Read More: WATCH: Tim David out as Tilak Varma takes spectacular catch during AUS vs IND 3rd T20I

Second Innings: 

The match in the second innings became more thrilling when India lost 4 wickets for 111 runs on the scoreboard. Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav went off to a promising start but were not able to convert their innings for a long run. Australia, without the service of Josh Hazlewood, tried to bowl according to their plan and was looking good until Washington Sundar and Jitesh Sharma walked into the middle. With 9 balls to spare and 5 wickets in hand, India won the match. Sundar and Sharma remained unbeaten for 49 and 22, respectively. 

India: 188/5 (18.3)

Nathan Ellis once again provided a crucial breakthrough for Australia, while the visitors India were moving on top in the 180+ chase in the third T20I of the five-match series at Hobart, as the Aussie pacer dismissed Axar Patel with another top bouncer, while Xavier Bartlett took a stunning catch. 

While India were chasing down the 187-run target to level the series, they lost their third wicket at 76 runs in the eighth over, as Axar Patel came to the crease. With Tilak Verma, Axar set a crucial 35-run partnership for the fourth wicket. While India were dominating with 111/3 in 11 overs, Nathan Ellis, the bowler of the night for Australia, produced another crucial breakthrough by dismissing Axar. 

[WATCH] Abhishek Sharma opens account with 6 during AUS vs IND 3rd T20I in Hobart

Xavier Bartlett took stunning catch to dismiss Axar Patel

It was another well-directed short delivery, which cramped Axar, as the left-handed batter went for an uncontrolled pull shot with his top edge. While Xavier Bartlett was fielding at midwicket, he had to run forward for the catch and timely grabbed the ball, which was just going down. It was a brilliant catch on an outstanding delivery, as Axar was dismissed for 17 runs off 12 balls, where he hit one four. 

Xavier Bartlett that is a phenomenal catch! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/SgRYuZ5mGO

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 2, 2025

India won by 5 wickets

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav chose to field first, as Australia scored 186/6 in 20 overs. As the boundaries were small, India would be happy with the target. Arshdeep Singh (3/35) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/33) were the top Indian bowlers, while Tim David (74) and Marcus Stoinis (64) played crucial roles in the Aussie innings.

Meanwhile, India comfortably chased down the target in 18.3 overs after losing five wickets. While all Indian batters made some impacts in that chase, Washington Sundar played a memorable knock of 49 not out off 23 balls with three fours and four sixes. Nathan Ellis was the best bowler for Australia on the night (4-0-36-3), but he didn't get enough support from the other bowlers.  

India’s vice-captain of the T20I format, Shubman Gill, didn’t enjoy the second game of the five-match series against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). However, she looked in great touch during the third clash of the series at the Ninja Stadium in Hobart before Australia’s pacer, Nathan Ellis, put an end to his small knock.

One of the best portions of the Indian batter's knock in the third encounter was his confidence and composure in rotating the strike. The right-handed batter produced one of the fine shots of the innings when he whipped Ellis off the pads over the mid-wicket region for a beautiful boundary. It was a stroke that impressed Sara Tendulkar, Sachin Tendulkar’s daughter.

See Also: [WATCH] Siya Kolisi sends support to South Africa's Women’s team ahead of World Cup final vs India

Sara was spotted in the stands as the video went viral on social media platforms. Her careful expression was captured by the fans and became the highlight moment of the evening in no time. But Gill’s stay didn’t last long in the middle as he was dismissed quite soon.

Watch: Shubman Gill’s splendid flick impresses Sara Tendulkar during AUS vs IND Hobart T20I

Winning the toss, Suryakumar Yadav decided to bowl first as the Indian management made three changes by bringing Arshdeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma, and Washington Sundar into the attack. Australia posted a huge score of 186/6 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to 74 from Tim David in 38 balls, while Marcus Stoinis smashed 64 runs in 39 balls at a strike rate of 164.10, riding on eight boundaries and two sixes.

Sara Tendulkar and Mia Khalifa seen in a match to support shubman gill pic.twitter.com/vjjrIEmnGU

— 𝙇𝙊𝙑𝙀⚡️ (@8T2_Mohali) November 2, 2025

India completed the chase by five wickets in hand and nine balls to spare. Sundar remained unbeaten on 49 runs in 23 balls with the help of three boundaries and four sixes at a strike rate of 213.04, while Jitesh drilled 22 unbeaten runs in 13 balls.

Gill was dismissed when he looked to flick Ellis into the leg side, but was late to bring her bat down. The ball straightened and trapped the right-handed batter into the pads as the umpire raised his finger. The review wasn’t enough to save the batter.  

Abhishek Sharma has been in fine touch during the five-match T20I series against Australia down under. In the second clash at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, the left-handed batter contributed a sensational knock in a lone-fest game, which the Blue Brigade went on to lose. For India to complete a huge chase during the third encounter at the Ninja Stadium in Hobart, he was a key figure.

After missing the first couple of balls, Abhishek made room against Xavier Barlett and sliced the wide delivery over the point region for a flat six. In the second over against Sean Abbott, the Indian batter took his beat mode and clubbed the fourth ball for a boundary over the backward point region before flicking the next delivery for a six into the leg side.

See Also: [WATCH] Tim David smashes 129m long monster six during AUS vs IND 3rd T20I in Hobart

The last ball of the second over was smacked straight down the ground as the opening batter used his feet and crunched it back past his partner, Shubman Gill. He raced away to 23 in just 12 balls as India made a fabulous start with the bat in the first three overs.

Watch: Abhishek Sharma smashes Xavier Bartlett for 6 during AUS vs IND Hobart T20I

Winning the toss in a change of fortune, India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav decided to bowl first as the visiting management decided to make three changes to the playing eleven. Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson, and Harshit Rana made their way out of the eleven in place of Arshdeep Singh, Washington Sundar, and Jitesh Sharma.

SKYBALL x Abhi-STORM! ⚡#TeamIndia on the charge with #AbhishekSharma doing what he does best! 🌧️6️⃣ #AUSvIND 👉 3rd T20I | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/JJaBX22Idf pic.twitter.com/R9mnE1TqeI

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 2, 2025

Australia kept losing wickets from one end before Tim David contributed with a splendid knock of 74 runs in 38 balls at a strike rate of nearly 195, riding on eight boundaries and five over boundaries. Later, in the middle over, Marcus Stoinis smashed 64 runs in 39 balls with the help of eight boundaries and two sixes to push them to 186/6 in their 20 overs.

India raced away to over 30 runs in three overs. This was a vital clash from their perspective to collect the win and stay alive in the series.  

End of a cracking innings. Shivam Dube got the big fish in the net. Tim David is gone after an entertaining 74-run innings off 38 balls during Australia vs. India 3rd T20I (AUS vs. IND 3rd T20I) of the 5-match series. Near the boundary line, Tilak Varma took a stunning catch to end the stormy batting of Tim David. 

The Australian batter was at his peak against the Indian bowling attack at the Ninja stadium. The right-handed batter was toying with the bowlers. With his strong arms, David was smashing boundaries and over-boundaries for fun. He reached the half-century mark with ease. But India captain Suryakumar Yadav had the plan to clear him from the crease. 

Yadav introduced a combination of Shivam Dube, a pace bowling all-rounder, and a spinner from the other end. Varun Chakravarthy instantly proved his mettle by taking two wickets in two balls. David, who was on the other end of the wicket, could only see his teammates walking back to the dugout.

Read More: WATCH: Indian Women's Cricket Team visits Siddhivinayak Temple ahead of IND-W vs SA-W Women's World Cup 2025 Final

Tilak Varma takes a spectacular catch to dismiss Tim David

Before that successful over of Chakravarthy, David looked lethal against Dube, smashing multiple big shots against the medium pacer. Dube was continuously bowling well off the off stump, and David was hitting those balls for fun. It was a trap from Team India, which later worked. 

In the delivery David got out and there was also an outside delivery from Shivam Dube. This time, the batter did not make the right connection and ended up caught in Varma's safe pair of hands. The catch was not easy to execute. The ball was travelling over the long-off corridor when Tilak jumped timely after covering some ground and gathered the ball precisely right in front of the boundary rope. David had to go. 

Watch the catch here

OUT!

That's the one India wanted. Tim David is out for 74!#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/mjG6qLeL2s

— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) November 2, 2025

After the washout result in the opening T20I at the Manuka Oval and Australia’s victory in the second encounter at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the focus was on the third game of the five-match series at the Ninja Stadium in Hobart between Australia and India, for whom it was a vital clash to stay active in the series. 

Quite surprisingly, in a change of fate, India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, won the toss and decided to bowl first on a surface that was anticipated to provide some early swing and movement. The tourists made three changes in their eleven by bringing Jitesh Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, and Washington Sundar, while the home side got Sean Abbott in place of rested Josh Hazlewood.

See Also: [WATCH] Rishabh Pant and India players wish women's side ahead of Women's World Cup 2025 final vs South Africa

Arshdeep made an early impact with the new ball, sending back Travis Head on the fourth ball of the game. After a double on the opening ball of the over, the southpaw went on his back foot and timed the left-arm seamer through the fine-leg fence for a boundary. But the Punjab-born had the last laugh.

Watch: Arshdeep Singh draws first blood with Travis Head’s wicket during AUS vs IND 3rd T20I in Hobart

On the fourth ball of the over, Head was dismissed for six runs. It was a wide-length delivery outside the hitting arc of the batter, who got forward to loft it, and the ball kept shaping away. It saw the ball going ballooned in the air as Suryakumar Yadav settled under it at mid-off and grabbed an easy catch to send the aggressive batter back into the clash.

Back with a bang! #ArshdeepSingh forces #TravisHead into a drive and #SuryakumarYadav makes no mistake. #AUSvIND 👉 3rd T20I | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/JJaBX22Idf pic.twitter.com/gpdBAZjFpO

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 2, 2025

It was the third dismissal of the pacer against Head in T20S in seven innings. The batter has clubbed 57 runs in 38 balls in this battle at an average of 19 and a strike rate of 150. In his second over, Arshdeep picked up the wicket of Josh Inglis.

India made a clinical start with the ball inside the power play. But they needed to get Tim David early in the innings, as the batter has a fine record of 577 runs in 26 T20 innings at this venue at a strike rate of over 170.

In the crucial third T20I of the five-match series in the Australia tour, India have made three crucial changes, as Sanju Samson and Kuldeep Yadav have been benched along with Harshit Rana. 

Bellerive Oval in Hobart is hosting the third game of the series, while hosts Australia lead 1-0 after winning the second T20I by four wickets following the no result in the series opener. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss in the Hobart T20I, as the crowd roared for that achievement, while the Indian skipper chose to bowl first. At the toss, he confirmed three changes, as the wicketkeeper Sanju Samson and left-arm chinaman Kuldeep Yadav have been benched, along with the right-arm fast bowler Harshit Rana.  

See Also: Riyan Parag set to lead Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026, replacing Sanju Samson — Report

AUS vs IND, 3rd T20I: Why Kuldeep Yadav and Sanju Samson are not playing

Sanju Samson scored only two runs in the previous T20I at MCG, and Jitesh Sharma has replaced him for the Hobart T20I. Although Sanju has been criticised for his inconsistent performances despite getting many opportunities in T20Is, he played some crucial roles in the Asia Cup T20I 2025 success, including scoring a valuable 24 runs in the Final against Pakistan, where he set a stable 57-run partnership for the fourth wicket with the hero Tilak Varma. Sanju was the third leading run-scorer for India in that tournament with 132 runs in four innings with an average of 33.00 and a strike rate of 124.52. If Sanju isn't injured, the latest drop may be harsh treatment for him.  

Meanwhile, Washington Sundar replaced Kuldeep Yadav for the Hobart T20I. This alteration may be to extend the batting line-up for the game, while the in-form Kuldeep will surely get more chances later. 

Also, India's leading T20I wicket-taker, the left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, has joined the playing XI as a replacement for the right-arm fast bowler Harshit Rana. 

Australia vs India: Hobart T20I Playing XIs

Australia Playing XI: Mitchell Marsh (Captain), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Matt Short, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Sean Abbott, Matt Kuhnemann

India Playing XI: Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah

IND vs AUS Match Preview

We're in the third game of the five-match series, and host Australia will look to extend their lead as they face World T20 Champions India. The Australians put on an outstanding performance in the final game, winning by four wickets. They dominated with both the bat and the ball and will look to draw confidence from their victory. The Indians are with their backs against the wall and will attempt to make a strong comeback. The Indians have performed well in this format over the last year. The team has lost only one of its last ten games and has an impressive record against the Australians. They will strive to deliver a better performance in this game. The Australians will be missing their key bowler, who is being rested for the remainder of the season, and it will be fascinating to see how well the rest of the team performs.

IND vs AUS Match Details

India vs Australia – 3rd T20I Match, India tour of Australia 2025 

Venue: Bellerive Oval, Hobart

Date & Time: 02nd November 2025 at 01:45 PM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

IND vs AUS Venue Stats 

IND vs AUS Pitch Report

The ball will come on the bat easily, allowing for stroke play. The average first-inning score is 158 runs, and a score of 180 or higher would be a competitive total at this venue.

IND vs AUS Weather Report

Hobart will have partly overcast skies, and batters will find the conditions difficult early in the game when the ball moves a little.

IND vs AUS Last Five Matches

IND vs AUS Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: IND vs AUS Dream11 Prediction 3rd T20I match

IND vs AUS Probable Playing XIs:

Australia Probable Playing XIs

Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Matthew Short, Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Sean Abbott

India Probable Playing XIs

Suryakumar Yadav (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav

Topmost Picks for IND vs AUS Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – India

• Abhishek Sharma – Abhishek Sharma is India's top run-scorer in 2025, with an average of more than 48 in 14 innings. He has scored at least 24 runs in ten of his last twelve innings, so we expect him to deliver a good performance.
• Kuldeep Yadav – Kuldeep Yadav has taken 19 wickets in 8 matches at an economy rate of 7.12.

Top Picks – Australia

• Mitchell Marsh – Mitchell Marsh is the team's leading run-scorer, scoring 346 runs in 10 matches at an average of 49.43 and a strike rate of 176.08.
• Nathan Ellis – Nathan Ellis is succeeding for the team with 8 wickets in 6 matches at an economy rate of 8.60.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for IND vs AUS Dream11 Team:

Josh Inglis, Abhishek Sharma(C), Mitchell Marsh(VC), Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Nathan Ellis, Kuldeep Yadav

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Abhishek Sharma, Marcus Stoinis

Vice-captain – Mitchell Marsh, Suryakumar Yadav

Wicketkeeper – Josh Inglis

IND vs AUS Probable Winners:

The Australians easily won the previous game, but they have performed poorly against the Indians in this format. The bowling line appears to be lacking the presence of Josh Hazelwood, and the remaining bowlers must perform well for the team to win. The Indians have an excellent batting lineup and a deep bowling attack. It will be an exciting match, but the Indians will have a slight advantage due to their stronger batting order. Considering the team combination, India is expected to win this match.

India batter Abhishek Sharma has already faced and beaten many top players in world cricket early in his career. He has quickly reached the top of the ICC T20I rankings and holds a record rating. Still, he couldn’t believe what he saw from fast bowler Josh Hazlewood in the second T20I against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday.

Hazlewood bowled four overs with the new ball, taking three wickets and giving away only 13 runs at an economy rate of 3.2. His spell caused India to collapse to 49/5 in eight overs. If not for Abhishek’s brilliant 68 runs off 37 balls, India wouldn’t have come close to their final score of 125 all out.

The left-hander faced Hazlewood for only four balls and scored six runs, which included a lucky boundary past the wicketkeeper.

Also Read -[WATCH] Rishabh Pant celebrates 50 during India A vs South Africa A 1st unofficial Test

Abhishek Sharma Praises Hazlewood’s Bowling Masterclass

“I was watching him in the ODIs too, so we knew he would challenge us,” Abhishek said in the post-match press conference after Australia chased down the target with four wickets in hand. “But the way he bowled today even surprised me. I haven’t seen something like this in T20s. It was something new for me as a batter who always wants to attack. But he had a plan, and he executed it perfectly,” he added.

Enjoying the Challenge

When asked if he was relieved that Hazlewood would not play the remaining matches to prepare for the 2025–26 Ashes, Abhishek smiled and said, “Oh, is he? I didn’t know that. But yes, he is good enough to play all formats. Still, I was enjoying this challenge because as a batter, you have to face world-class bowlers, and that’s what I was trying to do,” he added.

Watch the now-viral reaction here:

Abhishek Sharma got absolute donuts out of Travis Head, but his reaction to finding out Josh Hazlewood wasn't playing the rest of this series was priceless 😂 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/mMaz0fAnQN

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 31, 2025

Australia lead the series 1–0 after a washout in Canberra and a win in Melbourne. The third T20I will be played on Sunday in Hobart.