Why is Rinku Singh Not Playing IND vs AUS 1st T20I?

India are facing Australia in the first T20I match in Canberra on October 29. The hosts won the toss and decided to field first. With the overcast conditions, the Indian batters had a difficult task but they showed excellent batting display. Despite having some of the world-class T20 batsmen in the world, the match wouldn't be easy for the visitors.

Moreover, Team India made a few changes to the playing XI and one of them was quite shocking. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh was left out for the match with Harshit Rana given the priority due to the latter's batting skills. India's star batter Rinku Singh, who scored the winning runs in the Asia Cup 2025 final against arch-rivals Pakistan, has also been dropped from the team.

Is Rinku Singh Playing Today in IND vs AUS 1st T20I?

Rinku Singh's absence came as a surprise to his fans, as he is one of the best finishers in the world. He has rescued India out of tough situations numerous times during his short international career so far. However, a combination of competition in batting spots and team composition became the reason behind Rinku Singh dropped from the playing 11.

The IND vs AUS 1st T20I is expected to be a thriller in conditions that are overcast. However, with India batting first, they will need a bowler to defend the target in the second innings. India have a strong bowling attack for this game led by Jasprit Bumrah, the best T20 bowler in the world. It will be interesting to see whether their plan will work out or not by the end of the match. Kuldeep missed out on the ODI series due to a combination of issues but is back for the first T20I against Australia.

Players to Watch Out For in India vs Australia clash

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ India vs Australia T20Iis expected to be fierce. Suryakumar Yadav will be an important player for the visitors as he is not only the captain but also one of the best T20 batsmen in the world. No matter which ball is coming from, his 360-degree stroke play makes him a lethal player. Abhishek Sharma, by opening the innings, provides the team with the kind of explosive power that it needs. India’s bowling is full of immense power with the return of Jasprit Bumrah.

From the Australian side, Travis Head will be a threat for the Indian team. His ability to be dominant right from the first ball of the innings is what can set the tone for the new visitors. Captain Mitchell Marsh is still their most reliable player, as he provides clean-hitting through the middle overs.

On the bowling front, Josh Hazlewood’s perfect line and recent form can put the big guns of India under pressure, while Nathan Ellis’ change-ups can help him to become an important player in the death ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌overs. Overall, it will be an interesting game of cricket for the audience to watch with the Indian team looking strong.