AUS vs IND: [Explained] Why Tilak Varma is not playing today’s match at the Gabba?

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The fifth and final T20I between Australia and India is underway at the Gabba, Brisbane, marking the thrilling conclusion to what has been a rain-interrupted yet fiercely contested series. Australia won the toss and chose to bowl first in this crucial encounter as they look to level the series, which India currently leads 2-1 after four matches.

The first T20I was washed out due to rain, but both teams have since delivered entertaining performances in the remaining games. With the Gabba known for its pace and bounce, the surface is expected to favor fast bowlers early on, before becoming a batting-friendly track later in the evening.

One of the biggest talking points on social media was the absence of Tilak Varma from India’s playing XI. Captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed during the toss that the young left-hander has been rested for this final match, with Rinku Singh replacing him in the lineup.

Interestingly, the decision comes on Tilak’s 23rd birthday, with the team management opting to give him a break rather than field him on his special day. While the rest might appear coincidental, Tilak’s recent performances in the series have been below expectations, scoring just 34 runs across three innings.

The underwhelming returns could have influenced India’s decision to rotate the squad and give Rinku – who last played a T20I during the Asia Cup 2025 – a chance to make an impact in the decider.

Known for his ability to clear boundaries under pressure, Rinku could play a key role in the middle order, especially on a surface like the Gabba where the ball comes nicely onto the bat once set.

This change also reflects India’s strategy to balance workload management with providing game time to their core T20 squad ahead of next year’s ICC T20 World Cup.

Also READ: AUS vs IND, 5th T20I – The Gabba Pitch Report and T20 Records

India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), 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

Also READ: Not Jasprit Bumrah! Ravichandran Ashwin picks India’s two biggest weapons for T20 World Cup 2026