India's predicted playing XI for the 5th T20I vs Australia ft. Shubman Gill & Tilak Varma

India are all set to face off against Australia in the fifth and final T20I at The Gabba in Brisbane on Saturday, November 7. The Men in Blue currently hold a 2-1 lead in the series.

India, who took a commanding lead in the rubber with their win in the previous game in Carrarra, might not want to disturb their winning combination. However, with a two-Test series against South Africa on the horizon, they might have a few workload-related factors to consider.

India’s T20I squad for the Australia tour: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar.

On that note, here is India's predicted playing XI for the fifth T20I against Australia.

Openers: Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma

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India's Test captain could use a rest ahead of the South Africa Tests, but he simply hasn't done enough in the series so far to warrant it. Shubman Gill needs to justify his place in the side with a solid knock, while Abhishek Sharma will continue in the same vein at the other end.

Middle Order: Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Washington Sundar

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Rinku Singh hasn't played a game yet in the series, but giving him just one chance at the end might not be fair to him. The same goes for Nitish Kumar Reddy, who is seemingly fit and available for selection.

Given the above, India could stick with the same middle order. Tilak Varma, Axar Patel and Suryakumar Yadav will serve as floaters, with Shivam Dube too having a flexible batting position.

Jitesh Sharma will be keen on impressing, having gotten a few games as a finisher. Washington Sundar, who seems in good form, will also want to go from strength to strength.

Lower Order: Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy

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Like Gill, Jasprit Bumrah could use a rest ahead of the Test series. His workload Down Under hasn't been too high, though, and he could be picked with the trophy on the line. Arshdeep Singh will partner him in the pace attack, with Varun Chakaravarthy leading the spin unit once again.

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Edited by Sai Krishna