WATCH: Virat Kohli and Indian players depart for Australia ahead of ODI series

The Indian cricket team has officially departed for Australia from New Delhi to participate in the much-anticipated 2025 ODI series. This three-match series, beginning on October 19, will mark India’s first major 50-over outing since their Champions Trophy triumph earlier this year. With Shubman Gill leading the side, the tour promises to be a crucial test for India’s new-look squad.

Fans at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport gave the team a warm send-off as players including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shreyas Iyer were spotted boarding the flight. Support staff had already assembled earlier this week to coordinate travel and logistics.

Big names return, fresh leadership takes charge

Virat Kohli, who was rested for the recent Test series, rejoined the squad and looked relaxed yet focused as he interacted with teammates before departure. His experience will be invaluable in Australian conditions, where India have historically faced stiff challenges.

Also read: Shubman Gill shares his vision for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in India’s ODI future 

The 2025 ODI series will also be the first under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, marking a new chapter for the Men in Blue. Sources suggest that Gill’s leadership style focuses on aggressive yet calculated play, a balance the team hopes to maintain throughout the tour.

The ODI fixtures will be played at Perth (October 19), Adelaide (October 22), and Sydney (October 25), followed by a five-match T20I series leading up to the 2026 T20 World Cup. Team India’s preparation camp in Bengaluru last week focused heavily on fitness and adaptability to Australian pitches.

Where to watch the India vs Australia white-ball series online?

Fans in India can catch the India vs Australia white-ball series live via JioHotstar using OTTplay Premium, or watch it on Star Sports television channels nationwide.

Also read: Former player backs Rohit Sharma for India’s World Cup 2027 squad