India entered the third and final ODI against Australia determined to avoid a series whitewash after trailing 0-2. Winning the toss, Australia chose to bat first, setting up an early challenge for the hosts.

Openers Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head built a strong 61-run stand, keeping India’s bowlers on the back foot. Despite Shubman Gill trying various field placements and bowling changes, the breakthrough didn’t come easily.

However, senior pros Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli brought their experience into play, helping steady India’s approach. Their leadership on the field made a clear impact as India bowled out Australia for 236, showing resilience and teamwork in a must-win match.

See Also: Twitter Reactions: Rohit Sharma celebrates successive fifty in AUS vs IND 3rd ODI

Shubman Gill Impresses With Captaincy in 3rd ODI:

Since taking over as India’s Test captain in June, Shubman Gill has had a mixed run — winning only one toss in ten matches and failing to register a fifty in white-ball formats since the IPL. With the ODI series already lost, the Sydney match offered a chance for redemption.

Gill impressed with his tactical awareness, introducing Prasidh Krishna and Kuldeep Yadav in place of Arshdeep Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Although Australia started strongly, Gill’s clever rotation of spinners — Kuldeep, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel — tightened the game, slowing down the scoring rate and shifting momentum back to India.

Virat Kohli’s Guidance Keeps Gill Focused Throughout:

During a crucial moment, Kohli called Gill over for a brief on-field chat alongside KL Rahul. The conversation, though lasting only a few seconds, seemed to boost India’s energy. Gill quickly implemented Kohli’s advice, and the team’s fielding and bowling discipline improved noticeably in the next few overs.

The only leadership summit all of us want to be part of! 📝📚#AUSvIND 👉 3rd ODI | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/0evPIuANAu pic.twitter.com/HzAE2KIPI1

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 25, 2025

While watching this delightful moment, the commentator said, “ Virat Kohli seen here talking to Shubman Gill, KL Rahul. I can see the involvement since the last few overs. He has the experience. Captain ka darja shayad nahi ho par experience hai. They may not be captains, but they have the experience. Be it Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli or KL Rahul. They can share all their knowledge, although eventually it's up to Gill whether he wants to implement it.”

India faced a 7-wicket loss (DLS method) in the opening ODI at Perth, followed by a narrow 2-wicket defeat in the second match at Adelaide, which handed Australia an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

India A squads for two four-day matches against South Africa A have been announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Rishabh Pant, who has been on a long injury break, will lead the side in both the matches. Names such as Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, and Manav Suthar have been included in both squads and provide a good core to the series.

The selectors have selected some players for both games, while others are distinct in each game. It is an effort to help young players gain experience in the first game while providing older Test players with an opportunity to play in the second game. The first game is scheduled to begin on October 30, while the second game will start on November 6. Both games will be hosted at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

The team will also serve as a launching ground for new players to demonstrate their talent against stiff competition. By combining young blood with experience, India A is trying to offer competitive cricket while giving selectors an opportunity to evaluate players for future international games.

Young Talent and Test Stars in Focus

For the first unofficial Test, 18-year-old Mumbai opener Ayush Mhatre has been included. Ayush Badoni, who was part of India A during the Australia series, has retained his place, while Rajat Patidar will play only in the first game. N Jagadeesan is the second wicketkeeper, with Anshul Kamboj and Yash Thakur leading the pace attack. Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Saransh Jain has been drafted in after taking six wickets against Punjab in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 opener.

See Also: WATCH: Indian cricketers send heartfelt diwali wishes amid challenge in Australia and World Cup 2025

The second four-day game will feature experienced Test players such as KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, and Mohammed Siraj. Ruturaj Gaikwad returns to the squad after his impressive performance against Kerala in the Ranji Trophy. The pace attack for this match will include Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Khaleel Ahmed, giving India A a strong and balanced side for the second encounter.

India A Squads for South Africa A Series

1st Four-Day Match: Rishabh Pant (C) (WK), Ayush Mhatre, N. Jagdeesan (WK), Sai Sudharsan (VC), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Anshul Kamboj, Yash Thakur, Ayush Badoni, Saransh Jain.

2nd Four-Day Match: 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.

Rain breaks are always frustrating, but they create pressure on the batting side, especially if they make a struggling start in an encounter. That was the exact case with India, who lost four wickets, including their top three, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, during the opening encounter of the series against Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth. 

After several rain breaks, the overs were reduced to 26 overs in the game. The Blue Brigade needed to free their arms and put a respectable total on the board to give some chance to their bowlers. Axar Patel was the first when he went over the wicket-keeper’s head for a boundary before following it up with another four over the long-off region.

See Also: [WATCH] 176.5 kph delivery!! Did Mitchell Starc bowl fastest ball to Rohit Sharma during AUS vs IND 1st ODI?

On the 21st over, Mitchell Marsh brought Matthew Short into the bowling attack. Rahul used his feet on the third ball to smack it over the bowler’s head for a fine six. Short perhaps had seen the batter using his feet, which was why he cut the length, but Rahul was fully committed and used his power to time the shot with perfection.

Watch: KL Rahul smashed Matthew Short for two successive sixes during AUS vs IND Perth ODI

On the very next delivery, Short looked to pitch the ball up. Rahul came down the pitch and got it right under his blade. A clean swing saw the Bengaluru-born sending it soaring over the long-on region for a six. Even when Nathan Ellis was on the attack, Rahul used his T20 skills for the big shots.

You simply cannot miss this! @klrahul is launching some Diwali rockets at the Optus Stadium. 🎇#AUSvIND 👉 1st ODI | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/FkZ5L4CrRl pic.twitter.com/zdv6if5KYK

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 19, 2025

He backed away and opened the off-side to nail the slower ball over the diving mid-off fielder for a boundary. On the very next ball, Ellis pulled the length back a bit as the sweet timing of the slap from Rahul clubbed the ball over the mid-wicket region for another boundary.

Matthew Kuhnemann, however, was excellent in drying up the runs. He bowled three overs for 13 runs with the wickets of Patel and Washington Sundar. Rahul raced away to 38 runs in 30 balls as the Blue Brigade found themselves 118/6 in 24 overs.

KL Rahul has slowly started to cement his place in the national side in the ODI and Test formats. The right-handed batter, featuring for the Delhi Capitals in the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), was in excellent touch. He smashed 539 runs in 13 innings at an average of nearly 54 and a strike rate of around 150, scoring three half-centuries and one century at the best score of unbeaten 112 runs. 

The IPL 2026 trade season has already gained momentum as the franchises look to get their wish. Among the rumors, it has been reported that the three-time IPL champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, are keen to get Rahul in the next edition of the tournament.

See Also: Afghanistan players targeted by Pakistan Army ahead of upcoming tri series

The trade window is currently open and will remain active for nearly a week before the start of the next auction. The TOI journalist has revealed that the Knight Riders are interested in bringing Rahul on board. The Karnataka batter can contribute to the team as a top-order wicket-keeper and captain, an individual for whom they struggled immensely last year.

Kolkata Knight Riders wish to sign KL Rahul ahead of IPL 2026 auction- reports

It has been revealed that the Knight Riders are so keen to bring Rahul into the squad that they are ready even to leave out the veteran pace bowling all-rounder from the West Indies, Andre Russell, for the new season. That displays the value that a veteran brings to the table in the IPL.

Since the start of the 2018 season of the IPL, the 33-year-old has crossed the 550-run mark in every single season apart from 2023, when he was ruled out for most of the season due to injury, having notched up 274 runs in nine innings at an average of 34.75 and a strike rate of 113.22 with two fifties.

If Rahul comes into the KKR side, that means they may leave out Ajinkya Rahane ahead of the next season. They will also look to leave a few more players before the mini auction to get a huge chunk of the purse back in the bank.

KL Rahul will be back in the ODI team for the Indian team since the Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Since then, he was excellent with the bat for the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 before earning success in seven Tests against England and the West Indies. 

Rahul smashed one half-century and a century during the series in the United Kingdom. Against the Caribbean side, the right-handed opening batter smashed a fine 100 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad before remaining unbeaten on 58 runs to carry India over the line by seven wickets at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

See Also: "Scared of selectors..."- Ajinkya Rahane drops bombshell on major overhaul in BCCI's selection system

Rahul has reached Perth ahead of the three-match ODI series against Australia, which is scheduled to begin on October 19 at the Optus Stadium. He came to the optional practice session on the evening of October 16. But after putting his kitbag on the ground, he had a brief chat with the head coach, Gautam Gambhir, before leaving the ground.

Watch: KL Rahul goes back to team hotel without practice in optional session

It has been speculated that Rahul could be under a little injury concern. But on the next afternoon session, he went ahead with the other players for the running and later also batted with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. It’s an important series for Rahul in the middle order, besides keeping wickets for the 50-over format.

🚨KL RAHUL UPDATE🚨

According To Rohit Juglan KL Left Practice Session Mysteriously In The Mid.Hope There Is Injury Concern🤞[Revzsports Hindi] pic.twitter.com/5KCCRKyeMv

— Klassy¹ (@sinha7605) October 16, 2025

Rishabh Pant is not part of this series due to his recovery session for the injury he picked up during the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford in Manchester. Dhruv Jurel is part of this ODI series against Australia, which means the selectors have kept various options if things don’t go in the right direction.

At 33, the upcoming 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia could be the last for KL Rahul. He will have two more home series against South Africa and New Zealand at both ends of 2025. But his first aim will be to pass the Australia series with flying colors.

KL Rahul, the Indian opening batter, has continued to show his consistency in 2025 Tests, following his excellent away series against England at the United Kingdom with another superb home series of two red-ball encounters against the West Indies. He smashed a fine century during India’s long innings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Rahul missed out on the first innings for India of the second red-ball fixture at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi when he used his feet and missed the ball from Jomel Warrican which spun sharp to miss the outside edge of the batter as the wicket-keeper found the opening batter short of his crease.

See Also: [WATCH] Virat Kohli arrives in Delhi ahead of upcoming AUS vs IND 2025 ODI series

The second innings of the game was another chance for Rahul to stamp his authority with the bat, especially during the low chase of 121 runs in the fourth innings. Rahul remained unbeaten on 58 runs and timed a boundary into the long-on region to complete India’s seven-wicket victory to seal the series by 2-0 margin.

Watch: KL Rahul smashes 58* to complete India’s 2-0 series victory vs West Indies

Rahul was defensive at the start of the innings. He mostly looked to play the balls under his eyes with a steady head and never let the bowlers getting the better of him. In the morning session of the fifth and final day, Rahul, after a few defensive shots, showed his intent with the bat.

𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐄. 𝐒𝐄𝐓. 𝐃𝐎𝐍𝐄 ✅

A comfortable 7️⃣-wicket victory for #TeamIndia in Delhi ✌️

With that they take the series 2️⃣-0️⃣ 🏆

Shubman Gill registers his first series win as Captain 👏

Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/GYLslRyLf8#INDvWI | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/IwQFHmSQ5O

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 14, 2025

Rahul used his feet to tonk the left-arm spinner of the opposition, Jomel Warrican, for a boundary before repeating the same shot for an over boundary. With a sweep against the opposition captain, Roston Chase, the Karnataka-batter celebrated his 20^th half-century and remained unbeaten on 58 runs to complete the victory and series by 2-0 margin.

The 33-year-old has now collected over 3900 runs in 113 innings of the red-ball format. His average is getting over 36 with a strike rate of more than 52, shouldering on 20 half-centuries and 11 centuries at the best score of 199. He will now shift his focus to the ODI series against Australia down under, starting on October 19.

Life of KL Rahul in any format is along facing difficulties. And in the second Test against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, he faced incredible problems in various situations. In the first innings, he used his feet to smash Jomel Warrican but the ball spun huge to find him out of the crease as the wicket-keeper broke the stumps.

In the second innings, the opponent’s inspiring batting of 390 runs having been enforced the follow-on with twin centuries from Shai Hope and John Campbell, the home side was set a target of 121 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal gave a clear message of his approach with a boundary on the third ball of the chase. But he was dismissed in the second over.

See Also: “Don’t give bowling…”- Former India star slams team management during IND vs WI 2nd Test in Delhi

On the third ball of the third over from Jayden Seales, the ball bounced awkwardly to surprise Rahul and hit it right on the box. He fell down the ground on his knees and kept grimacing as the physio charged into the middle to check the batter.

Watch: KL Rahul stuck on box by Jayden Seales’ delivery during IND vs WI 2nd Test

After a few movement and delay, Rahul finally stood on his feet and restarted the batting. Sai Sudharsan, from the other end, started to play a few good shots as India slowly made their way towards the chase. He creamed two boundaries against the spinners while Rahul was more attentive in rotating the strike from the other end.

pic.twitter.com/2ZlLa2xs6M

— A• (@KLEdits_) October 13, 2025

In the second innings, West Indies posted 390 runs as Jasprit Bumrah bowled brilliantly to end with magical figures of 3/44 in 17.5 overs. On the other hand, Kuldeep Yadav picked three wickets in a span of nine balls to go through the middle order of the visiting side. Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar shared four wickets between them.

Looking at how Rahul and Sudharsan batted, it felt like India had no wish to finish the game on the fourth day and are ready to be back for the fifth and final day of the series.

A moment of complete confusion unfolded during the closing stages of the opening session on Day 3 of the second Test between India and the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

As the clock neared the scheduled lunch break, the Indian players began walking off the field, assuming that the session had officially ended. The spectators and commentators, too, believed the first session had wrapped up.

However, to everyone’s surprise, on-field umpire Richard Illingworth signaled that there was still one over left before the break. The players were quickly called back to resume play, leading to an awkward few moments on the field. The unexpected confusion drew light-hearted laughter from the crowd and even among the players, marking a rare instance of miscommunication in the otherwise well-structured Test proceedings.

See Also: [WATCH] IND vs WI 2nd Test: Jaffa from Jasprit Bumrah takes Khary Pierre's off-stump for cartwheel

KL Rahul Sparks Confusion by Removing Bails:

The confusion began after the 71st over of West Indies’ first innings when Indian players mistakenly thought it was lunch and started heading towards the pavilion. Believing the session had ended, they began walking off the field.

Adding to the mix-up, KL Rahul removed the bails, and commentators, including Murali Kartik, began reading the lunch summary. Even umpire Richard Illingworth appeared to walk with the players, signaling the supposed end of the session, before realizing play had not officially stopped.

KL Rahul Took The Bails Off, And When The Umpire Looked At Him, He Was Like “I Didn’t Do Anything 😭pic.twitter.com/KQeajAczv8

— 𝐀•ᴷᴸ ᴿᵃʰᵘˡ ˢᵗᵃⁿ (@123Centurion__) October 12, 2025

However, umpire Richard Illingworth was only moving toward his position at the non-striker’s end, not signaling the lunch break. Realizing the mistake, he quickly called the players back to resume play. Moments later, replays revealed that KL Rahul had cheekily removed the bails, which further fueled the brief confusion on the field.

Jadeja swiftly completed the last over before the lunch interval, with West Indies reaching 217 for eight, still trailing India by 301 runs. At the break, Khary Pierre remained unbeaten on 19, alongside Anderson Phillip, who was also batting on 19, as the visitors looked to extend their innings post-lunch.

India Continues Domination on Day 3:

India continued their dominance in the second session, claiming four wickets in 29 overs. Despite a gritty ninth-wicket stand of 42 runs that slowed their progress, the bowlers maintained control throughout the session.

Kuldeep Yadav once again led the charge, providing an early breakthrough by dismissing Shai Hope for 36 off 57 balls with a sharply turning delivery. In his following over, he removed Tevin Imlach, and soon after trapped Justin Greaves leg-before for 17 to complete a brilliant spell.

Mohammed Siraj then cleaned up Jomel Warrican for just 1, while Washington Sundar got rid of Alick Athanaze for 7, reducing the visitors to a precarious position before the start of the final session of play.

KL Rahul took a sharp catch at the slip to dismiss West Indies (IND vs WI 2nd Test) opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul. After juggling the ball for a while, Rahul managed to hold the ball sharply. Ravindra Jadeja claimed his second wicket in the first innings of West Indies batting. 

India went to bat first and registered a massive total of 518 for 5 wickets, powered by hundreds from Yashasvi Jaiswal (175) and captain Shubman Gill (129*). Sai Sudharsan played an 87-run inning as well. India is already leading the two-match Test series by 1-0 and is in the driver's seat in the ongoing match as well. To save the match and the series, the visiting side has to perform extremely well with their batting at the Arun Jaitley cricket stadium in Delhi. 

Ravindra Jadeja struck early in the innings by taking the wicket of West Indian opener John Campbell. After being down by one man, Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze were trying to provide some solidity in their innings. Chanderpaul was looking good on the track, slowly moving towards the 50-run mark. But after crossing the 30-run mark, the left-handed batter fell short against the experienced all-rounder. 

Read More: "Throw you into..."- Gautam Gambhir leaks secret conversation with Shubman Gill while appointing him as India's Test captain

Watch the sharp catch of KL Rahul

A Sharp Catch by KL Rahul. 👌

- Ravindra Jadeja is Unstoppable in Test Cricket. pic.twitter.com/jZmhtmZ408

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 11, 2025

Jadeja pitched the ball on the good length area; the batter went on his front foot and tried to defend but wasn't on the line of the delivery. The ball got some spin and produced an outside edge, which went straight towards the first slip cordon. Rahul was there in the first slip with a sharp pair of eyes on the ball. He turned slightly on his left to catch the ball. After some fumbling, he completed the clean catch. The West Indies lost their second wicket. 

As of now, India, the home team, is looking strong enough to clinch the match and the series. Spinners are getting help from the help. Team India, with Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar, can push the West Indies far behind.

Even though KL Rahul smashed a century during the opening Test of the two-match series against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, it was really important for him to continue the same rhythm during the second clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. His issue has been regarding consistency in a series where he starts well but fades away by the end of it.

Rahul was batting well on the opening day after the Shubman Gill-led side won the toss and decided to bat first on a solid surface. The right-handed Indian batter left the ball well and was prepared to take on the bowlers. He used his feet well to smash a huge six and looked set for another good score. But that was when he had a brain fade.

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On the third ball of the 18th over, Rahul went down the track against Jomel Warrican to defend the ball. However, the ball hit the seam portion and spun away from the batter as the wicket-keeper collected it and broke the stumps to find Rahul out of the crease. The batter’s shocking face was proof of how frustrated he was.

Watch: KL Rahul shocked at Jomel Warrican’s spin for stumping dismissal during IND vs WI Delhi Test

Rahul was dismissed for 38 runs in 54 balls with the help of five boundaries and one six. It’s another chapter in his career where he got several starts but failed to build upon them. Warrican cut the pace on that delivery, and that helped it get more spin off the surface and got away from the batter.

Where did this ball come from? So much turn out of nowhere.

KL Rahul was looking good, surprisingly he was the aggressive one among the two openers but got a beauty which completely bamboozled him. pic.twitter.com/Arp6vt93wy

— Vipul 🇮🇳 (@Vipul_Espeaks) October 10, 2025

India won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first as they went with an unchanged eleven after the huge innings victory in the last fixture. For the Caribbean side, they made two changes by bringing wicket-keeper Tevin Imlach and Anderson Phillip into the eleven.

After Rahul’s dismissal, Sai Sudharsan started with aggression, while Jaiswal also put the foot on the accelerator and got on the road to celebrating a half-century. India reached near 100 by the end of the opening session.