The India vs Australia T20I series comes to a thrilling end with the fifth and final clash at The Gabba, Brisbane, on November 8, 2025. India currently lead the series 2–1 after an emphatic 48 run victory in the fourth T20I at Carrara Oval, where Shubman Gill, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar delivered standout performances. Australia, playing for pride, will hope to finish strong at home, while India will aim to seal the series 3–1.

The Gabba’s fast and bouncy track promises an exciting contest between India’s disciplined bowling lineup and Australia’s aggressive batting order. With both sides stacked with all round talent and form players, the finale is perfectly poised for a high intensity battle.

What is the Context of the Match?

India’s commanding win in the 4th T20I handed them a 2–1 lead in the five match series, but the fifth and final T20I at The Gabba holds significant importance for both teams. For India, it’s an opportunity to seal a historic series win on Australian soil — a statement of depth and dominance under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership. For Australia, the match represents a chance to restore pride at their fortress and level the series 2–2 in front of home fans. With pride, momentum, and psychological advantage on the line, the finale in Brisbane promises to be the most fiercely contested clash of the tour.

India – Probable Playing XI against Australia for 5th T20I

1. Abhishek Sharma

The left hander continues to be India’s Powerplay aggressor, providing quick starts. With 989 runs in 28 matches at a strike rate of 189.83, including 2 hundreds and 6 fifties, Abhishek sets the tone early. He scored 28 in the 4th T20I before falling while trying to up the tempo, but his intent remains key to India’s momentum.

2. Shubman Gill

India’s vice captain rediscovered form in the last game with a composed 46 off 34 balls. Across 32 T20Is, he has scored 808 runs with 1 hundred and 3 fifties at a strike rate of 139.31. Known for his elegant stroke play, Gill’s ability to adapt to Australian conditions makes him vital at the top.

3. Suryakumar Yadav (C)

India’s captain and world no.1 T20 batter has been steady but yet to produce a big score in this series. With 2754 runs in 94 matches at a strike rate near 170, including over 20 fifties, Suryakumar’s 360 degree range makes him India’s most dangerous middle order batter. He scored a quick 20 off 10 balls in the last match to lift the tempo.

4. Tilak Varma

A composed middle order anchor, Tilak has 996 runs in 36 T20Is with 2 hundreds and 4 fifties at a strike rate of 137. His ability to stabilize innings in pressure situations and rotate strike makes him dependable. He scored 28 in Carrara, supporting the innings through the middle overs.

5. Axar Patel

The all rounder was the Player of the Match in the fourth T20I for his three wickets and tight bowling. In 82T20Is, Axar has 637 runs and 79 wickets, maintaining an economy of 7.1. His left arm spin and lower order hitting make him one of India’s most crucial assets.

6. Washington Sundar

Sundar produced a brilliant spell in the last game, taking 3 wickets in just eight balls. In 56 T20Is, he has 51 wickets at an average of 22.79 and 254 runs with the bat. His ability to bowl in the Powerplay and contribute with the bat provides India balance and flexibility.

7. Jitesh Sharma(WK)

Jitesh has impressed in limited opportunities, showing the temperament to finish games. In 10 T20Is, he has scored 122 runs at a strike rate of 150.62. His quick hands behind the stumps and composure in high pressure chases make him India’s ideal wicketkeeper finisher.

8.Shivam Dubey

Dube’s contributions as an all rounder give India depth in both departments. He has 607 runs in 45 T20Is with 4 fifties at a strike rate of 138.95 and 21 wickets to his name. In the 4th T20I, he picked up two crucial wickets and bowled a disciplined spell, helping India maintain control.

9. Arshdeep Singh

India’s leading left arm pacer has 105 wickets in 67 T20Is at a bowling average of 18.18. Known for his death over control and sharp swing with the new ball, Arshdeep bowled economically in Carrara, building pressure early on and setting up wickets for others.

10. Varun Chakraborty

The mystery spinner has 45 wickets in 28 T20Is at an exceptional economy of 7.15. His variations make him difficult to read, and he bowled tightly in the middle overs during the previous match, choking Australia’s scoring. His accuracy will be key at The Gabba.

11.Jasprit Bumrah

India’s pace spearhead remains the most threatening bowler in any condition. In 78 T20Is, Bumrah has 99 wickets at an economy under 7. His ability to extract bounce and hit yorkers consistently will be critical at The Gabba, where conditions favor his style of bowling.

Australia – Probable Playing XI against India for 5th T20I

1. Mitchell Marsh (C)

The Australian skipper has been in consistent form across formats. In 80 T20Is, he has 2082 runs at a strike rate of 139.73, including 1 hundred and 11 fifties, along with 17 wickets. Marsh scored 36 in the last match and remains Australia’s key anchor and finisher.

2. Matthew Short

With 357 runs in 19 matches at a strike rate of 157.27, Short brings attacking intent at the top. He scored 18 in the previous game and continues to provide quick starts, while also offering useful off spin, having taken 8 wickets in his career.

3. Josh Inglis (WK)

Australia’s dynamic wicketkeeper batter has 911 runs in 40 T20Is, including 2 hundreds and 2 fifties at a strike rate of 156.20. Inglis struggled in Carrara, scoring just 12, but his ability to accelerate quickly makes him a major threat at The Gabba.

4. Tim David

A world class finisher, David has around 1596 runs in 67 T20Is at a strike rate near 158, with 4 fifties. Known for his powerful hitting in the death overs, he scored 14 in the last game and remains Australia’s most destructive lower order batter.

5. Josh Philippe

The young wicketkeeper batter has 160 runs in 15 T20Is. Returning to the XI, Philippe will aim to provide stability at No. 5 and capitalize on The Gabba’s true bounce.

6. Marcus Stoinis

An experienced all rounder, Stoinis has 1338 runs and 24 wickets in 49 T20Is, with a strike rate of 139. He scored 20 in Carrara and remains a key middle order hitter and a reliable fifth bowling option for Marsh’s side.

7. Glenn Maxwell

Back in the squad, Maxwell brings experience and firepower. With 2835 runs and 49 wickets in 125 T20Is, he is one of the most dangerous batters in world cricket. His off spin will be handy at The Gabba, especially in the middle overs.

8. Ben Dwarshuis

The left arm pacer has 20 wickets in 12 matches with a bowling average of around 15.8. He picked up one wicket in Carrara and offers variation with his ability to hit back of a length deliveries effectively on bouncy tracks.

9. Xavier Bartlett

A rising fast bowler, Bartlett has 19 wickets in 15 T20Is at an average near 20.3. Known for his swing with the new ball, he will be crucial early on in exploiting The Gabba’s bounce.

10. Nathan Ellis

Ellis remains Australia’s most reliable seamer at the death. With 50 wickets in 31 matches at an average of 18.5, he uses clever slower balls and cutters effectively. He went wicketless in Carrara but will be a key threat on his home turf.

11. Adam Zampa

Australia’s lead spinner brings control and consistency. In 107 T20Is, he has 135 wickets at an economy under 7, with best figures of 4/12. Returning after rest, Zampa’s variations will be vital in containing India’s middle order.

Pitch Report & Weather Conditions

The Gabba is famous for its fast, bouncy surface that provides true carry and consistent pace. Early on, fast bowlers can expect seam movement, while batters who adjust to the bounce can score freely. Spinners usually find minimal assistance, making pace the dominant factor.

The weather on November 8, 2025, is expected to be warm and partly cloudy with a 67% chance of evening showers or thunderstorms. Temperatures will hover between 29°C and 31°C, and moderate humidity could assist swing bowling early on. Teams winning the toss might prefer bowling first to avoid batting under potential rain interruptions.

Match Prediction – Who Has the Upper Hand?

India enter the final with confidence, having outplayed Australia in the previous game. Their balanced bowling attack, featuring Bumrah, Arshdeep, and the spin duo of Axar and Sundar, has been difficult to handle.

Australia, however, will feel at home at The Gabba, where conditions suit their pace attack. With Marsh, Maxwell, and David in form, the hosts have the power to post or chase competitive totals.

FAQs About IND vs AUS Playing XI

Q1: Who are the key players for India and Australia?

For India, Suryakumar Yadav and Axar Patel are expected to play pivotal roles with their consistency and impact in crunch moments. For Australia, Mitchell Marsh’s leadership and power hitting along with Adam Zampa’s control in the middle overs make them the players to watch.