India and Australia are set to clash in the 5th and final T20I at the Gabba in Brisbane on November 8, 2025. With India leading the series 2-1, the visitors might consider making a few changes to the playing XI. The match holds significant importance as India aims to secure an overseas victory and seal the series.

Potential Changes in the Indian Lineup

Several adjustments could be in store for the Indian side. Sanju Samson, who hasn't featured since the second match, might replace Jitesh Sharma, who scored 22 and 3 in the 3rd and 4th matches respectively. Another potential inclusion is Rinku Singh, who is yet to play a game in the series. However, giving him just one chance at the end might not be fair.

There is also speculation about whether Jasprit Bumrah will be rested ahead of the South Africa series.

Predicted Playing XIs

Here are the predicted playing XIs for both teams:

• India: Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah/ Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy.

• Australia: Mitchell Marsh (C), Matthew Short, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Ben Dwarshuis.

Players to Watch

• India:
  • Abhishek Sharma: Continues to be India's Powerplay aggressor, providing quick starts.
  • Shubman Gill: Rediscovered form in the last game with a composed 46 off 34 balls.
  • Suryakumar Yadav: The captain and world no.1 T20 batter has been steady but yet to produce a big score in this series.
  • Tilak Varma: A composed middle-order anchor.
• Australia:
  • Mitchell Marsh: The Australian skipper has been in consistent form across formats.
  • Matthew Short: Brings attacking intent at the top with a high strike rate.
  • Josh Inglis: A dynamic wicketkeeper batter with a high strike rate.
  • Tim David: A world-class finisher.

Match Overview

The fifth T20I promises to be a fiercely contested clash, with both teams having a lot on the line. India will aim to seal the series, while Australia will be playing for pride, hoping to finish strong at home.

Series So Far

The series has been an exciting one, with the first match in Canberra washed out due to rain. Australia won the second match in Melbourne, while India bounced back with two consecutive wins in Hobart and Gold Coast. Even if India loses the final T20I, the series will end in a 2-2 draw.

Australia's Unbeaten Record

Australia has not been beaten at the Gabba in T20Is since 2013. India will be looking to break this unbeaten streak and secure a series win.