This Fifth and final T20i between Australia and India The Gabba continues to mark a thrilling result for Brisbane, a rain-interrupted but fiercely contested series. Australia won the toss and chose to remain on top in this crucial encounter as they look to level the series, which now leads India 2-1 after four matches.
The first T20I was washed out due to rain, but both teams put up entertaining performances in the remaining games. With PACE and the Gabba known for bounce, the surface is expected to favor fast bowlers before becoming a batting-friendly track in the evening.
Why is Tilak varma missing from India playing xi?
One of the biggest talking points on social media was the absence Do not pray From India playing Xi. Captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that the young left-hander has been rested for this final match by lining him up with Singh in the rink.
Interestingly, the decision comes on Tilak’s 23rd birthday, with the team management refusing to give him a break instead of abandoning him on his special day. While the rest may seem random, Tilak’s recent performances have been below expectations, with just 34 runs in just 34 overs.
The providers could decide to rotate India’s squad and give Rinku – who last played a T20I during Asia Cup 2025 and played Rinku – a chance to make up his mind.
Known for his ability to clear boundaries under pressure, Rinku can play a key role, especially on a surface like the Gabba as the ball comes closer to the bat.
This change also reflects the Balance Management Management Strategy by providing playing time to the Core T20 squad ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup next year.
Read: AUS vs Ind, 5th T20I – Gabba pitch report and T20 notes
AUS vs INS 5th T20I: Both teams playing XI
India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (C), Matthew Short, Josh Inglis (WK), Tim David, Josh Philippe, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa
Read: Not Jasprit Bumrah! Ravichandran Ashwin picks India’s two biggest arms for T20 World Cup 2026
