Why Tilak Varma is Not Playing Today

Why Tilak Varma is not Playing Today against Australia? Know the Reason

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Modified - Nov 08, 2025, 09:27 AM

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IND vs AUS

Tilak Varma is not part of today’s game against Australia in the 5th T20I, which is the series decider, because the Indian team management has decided to rest him to manage his workload ahead of the upcoming South Africa tour of India. With a long T20 season ahead as well as the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, the decision aims to keep Tilak fresh and injury-free.

Why Tilak Varma is Not Playing Today?

The selectors are being cautious to ensure that one of the best T20 batsman in the world remains in peak condition for the crucial white-ball assignments, as he plays a very crucial role in the middle order of India's batting lineup and makes sure that there is no possibility of Tilak Varma injury. After some busy past months in T20 cricket, such short breaks are considered necessary to provide Tilak Varma with some valuable recovery time before another demanding stretch of international cricket.

India has gone ahead with Tilak Varma not playing for the fifth T20I against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane. The 23-year-old struggled with the bat throughout the series, scoring just 34 runs in four innings. With form not on his side, the team management decided to give him a break and hand Rinku Singh a chance in the series decider.

Meanwhile, Australia won the toss and opted to bowl first. They are trailing 2-1 in the five-match series, and the hosts will be eager to bounce back and avoid a fourth consecutive series loss in T20Is. After winning the toss, captain Mitchell Marsh highlighted that the pitch looks batting-friendly and emphasised that there is plenty at stake for both sides at the iconic Gabba.

Indian Skipper Reveals Their Batting Order Roles During Toss

During the toss, Suryakumar Yadav told Ravi Shastri that Tilak Varma had been rested for the match. Rinku Singh, who has been on the sidelines since the 2025 Asia Cup final. Notably, that final was the only game he featured in during the tournament. In a memorable cameo, Rinku faced just one delivery in the final and smashed it for a boundary, helping India secure the title and making his name as one of the best finisher in the world. Captain Suryakumar Yadav said at the toss:

Until you're winning the game and losing the toss, it's fine. Want to go out and express ourselves. Always good to understand what the team's goal is. All batters realised it wasn't a 200 wicket. All boxes ticked in the last game, just want to continue the same. Always good to win bilaterals. At the same time, what combination you want is more important. Other than openers, this is one format where everyone has to be flexible with batting positions. One change - Tilak is resting, Rinku comes in.

Suryakumar Yadav also mentioned that, beyond the openers, the rest of the batting lineup is expected to be flexible, ready to step in and bat whenever needed. He added that he isn’t worried about the outcome of the toss anymore, emphasising that his main focus is simply on winning matches for the team.