Why is Tilak Varma not playing today’s AUS vs IND 2025 5th T20I?

Tilak Varma was omitted as India announced their playing XI for the fifth T20I against Australia at The Gabba in Brisbane on Saturday, November 8. Rinku Singh has replaced him in the lineup.

Speaking at the toss, skipper Suryakumar Yadav said that the middle-order batter has been rested. The 35-year-old told the official broadcasters (via Cricbuzz):

“Tilak Varma is resting. Rinku Singh comes in.”

Tilak Varma returned with scores of 0, 29, and 5 in the ongoing T20I series. Overall in 2025, the southpaw has amassed 380 runs in 16 matches at an average of 42.22 at a strike rate of 127.94, including two half-centuries. Overall, he has 996 runs in 36 T20Is, comprising two tons and four half-centuries.

Meanwhile, Rinku Singh has scored 550 runs in 34 T20Is at an average of 42.30 and a strike rate of 161.76, hitting three half-centuries. The UP-born player last played in the Asia Cup 2025 final, scoring four runs off the only ball he faced against Pakistan, helping India win the continental trophy. He is making his comeback in the playing XI after a gap of four matches.

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Australia opt to bowl against India in a do-or-die match; Rinku Singh replaces Tilak Varma

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and chose to bowl against India in a must-win game. Justifying his decision, he said (via Cricbuzz):

"Going to bowl first. Looks [like] a good surface, always great to come here and play at this great stadium. Certainly a chance to draw the series. Lots to play for."

Unlike India, the Aussies made no changes to their playing XI.

The Suryakumar Yadav-led side is leading the five-match series 2-1. Australia won the second T20I by four wickets before the tourists registered back-to-back victories by five wickets and 42 runs in the third and fourth T20I. The series opener was abandoned due to rain.

Notably, the Men in Blue have never lost a T20I series since clinching the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Following the AUS vs IND 2025 5th T20I live score and updates here.

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Edited by James Kuanal