The five match T20I series between India and Australia heads to the Gold Coast for the fourth clash at the scenic Carrara Oval. The series stands evenly poised at 1–1 after India’s thrilling five wicket victory in Hobart, setting up a high stakes encounter under lights in Queensland.

However, Australia have suffered a setback ahead of this game, with Travis Head ruled out due to injury. His absence will be a major blow for the hosts, given his explosive starts at the top. Matthew Short is expected to take his place as an opener alongside captain Mitchell Marsh, reshaping Australia’s batting order.

For India, the win in Hobart has reignited belief and confidence. Washington Sundar’s match winning 49 not out and Arshdeep Singh’s early breakthroughs helped level the series in style. Now, with momentum on their side, Suryakumar Yadav’s men will look to go one step further and take a 2–1 lead heading into the final game in Sydney.

What’s the Context of the IND vs AUS 4th T20I?

After the first T20I in Canberra was washed out, Australia drew first blood at the MCG with a comfortable win. But India struck back in Hobart, chasing down 186 with nine balls to spare. That performance showcased India’s depth and adaptability, especially with contributions from multiple batters and a composed finish from Washington Sundar and Jitesh Sharma.

Australia, meanwhile, will look to regroup quickly. Tim David’s explosive 74 and Marcus Stoinis’ fluent 64 were the highlights of their innings in Hobart, but they failed to defend a strong total. Their bowlers struggled to contain India’s aggression in the death overs, and the absence of Travis Head adds further pressure on the top order.

The Gold Coast encounter is now pivotal, the winner will move ahead 2–1, gaining a psychological edge ahead of the series decider.

India’s Probable XI against Australia for the 4th T20I

1. Abhishek Sharma
The 25 year old left hander continues to attack fearlessly at the top, giving India strong Powerplay starts. He has already scored 961 runs in T20Is with 2 hundreds and 6 fifties at a strike rate nearing 200, including a fifty earlier in this series.

2. Shubman Gill
Gill has been misfiring so far in the series but remains vital for stability in the top order. With 762 runs in 30 T20Is, including 1 century and 3 fifties at a strike rate above 140, he’ll aim to find rhythm and anchor India’s innings.

3. Suryakumar Yadav (C)
The skipper has led with intent, though runs have come in patches this series. Across 93 T20Is, he has scored 2734 runs at a strike rate of 160, and his 360-degree shot-making will be crucial to keep India ahead of the run rate.

4. Tilak Varma
Tilak has demonstrated calmness in high-pressure situations and continues to grow as India’s middle-order anchor. With 991 runs at a strike rate of 150 in T20Is, he has provided stability this series with quick 20s and 30s in crucial phases.

5. Axar Patel
Axar’s control with the ball and late order hitting make him indispensable. He has played 81 T20Is, scoring 616 runs and taking 78 wickets, and his economy through the middle overs has kept Australia’s hitters quiet so far.

6. Jitesh Sharma(WK)
Jitesh has added finishing strength to India’s lower order, showing composure in Hobart with 22 not out off 13 balls. In 10 T20Is, he’s struck at over 150, proving reliable as a wicketkeeper finisher in crunch moments.

7. Washington Sundar

Sundar was the hero in Hobart, smashing 49 off 23* and sealing India’s chase in style. With 37 T20Is under his belt for 36 wickets and over 300 runs, his Powerplay off spin and all-round utility make him vital in these conditions.

8.Shivam Dubey
Dube adds all-round depth and flexibility at this position, capable of finishing games and bowling steady medium pace. In 42 T20Is, he has 585 runs and 19 wickets, and his six-hitting remains a major asset on bouncy tracks.

9. Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep was instrumental in Hobart, taking 3/35 and dismantling Australia’s top order. In 66 T20Is, he has 104 wickets at an economy of 8.2, and his new-ball swing plus death over accuracy make him a match-winner.

10. Varun Chakraborty
The mystery spinner has picked up key wickets this series, including breakthroughs in Hobart. He has 44 wickets in 27 T20Is at an economy below 7.5, and his accuracy will be crucial on a surface offering limited turn.

11.Jasprit Bumrah
India’s pace spearhead has kept things tight throughout the series, using his variations to great effect. In 78 T20Is, he has claimed 98 wickets at an economy under 7, and his ability to exploit bounce makes him India’s key weapon at Carrara Oval.

Australia’s Probable XI against India for the 4th T20I

1. Matthew Short
With Travis Head injured, Short steps in as opener after scoring a brisk 26 off 15 balls* in the previous game. Known for his aggressive starts and handy off spin, he’ll look to make the most of this promotion and provide quick runs in the Powerplay.

2. Mitchell Marsh (C)
Australia’s captain remains their most consistent performer, leading by example with both bat and intent. In 79 T20Is, Marsh has scored 2053 runs at a strike rate of 140, including 1 century and 11 fifties, anchoring the team through the middle overs.

3. Josh Inglis (WK)
Inglis has been a steady presence in the top order, blending timing with acceleration when required. Across 39 matches, he has 899 runs, including 2 centuries and 2 fifties, and will aim for a substantial contribution in Head’s absence.

4. Tim David
Australia’s best batter this series, David powered 74 off 37 balls in Hobart and remains their designated finisher. With 1582 runs in 66 T20Is at a strike rate exceeding 160, he’ll once again be the key in the death overs.

5. Glenn Maxwell
Returning to the side, Maxwell adds experience, explosiveness, and balance. In 124 T20Is, he has 2833 runs at a strike rate of 156, with 5 hundreds, 12 fifties, and 49 wickets, making him one of Australia’s most complete T20 cricketers.

6. Mitchell Owen
The young all rounder strengthens the lower order with his power hitting and ability to bowl useful medium pace. Still early in his international career, Owen provides flexibility and energy in Australia’s middle order.

7. Marcus Stoinis
Stoinis remains the backbone of Australia’s middle order and a proven match winner. His 64 in Hobart showcased his composure under pressure, and with 1263 runs and 47 wickets in 79 T20Is, he continues to be Australia’s most valuable all rounder.

8. Xavier Bartlett
Bartlett’s new ball swing and sharp bounce make him a threat early on, especially under Carrara’s conditions. In 14 T20Is, he has already claimed 18 wickets, providing reliability and penetration in the Powerplay.

9. Ben Dwarshuis
The left arm pacer offers variation and control with his hard length bowling. Having taken 20 wickets in 11 T20Is, Dwarshuis’s accuracy could test India’s aggressive top order on this surface.

10. Nathan Ellis
Ellis remains Australia’s go to bowler at the death, combining pace variations with pinpoint control. He took 3 for 36 in Hobart and has 47 wickets in 30 T20Is, consistently striking in crucial moments.

11. Matthew Kuhnemann

The left arm spinner brings variation to Australia’s pace heavy attack. With limited turn expected at Carrara Oval, his accuracy and flight will be key in maintaining control during the middle overs.

Pitch Report & Weather Conditions

The Carrara Oval pitch offers early assistance to fast bowlers, with consistent bounce and mild seam movement in the first few overs. Spinners will find limited help, making the initial Powerplay crucial for seamers to make breakthroughs.

As the match progresses, the surface tends to settle down, offering better batting conditions. Teams batting second often find it easier once the ball softens and movement reduces. Captains winning the toss are expected to bowl first to utilize early conditions and chase under lights.

The weather in Gold Coast on November 6, 2025, is expected to be mostly sunny, with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 30°C. Light easterly winds (15–20 km/h) will prevail, and there’s very little chance of rain, ensuring a full game of cricket. Low humidity levels will make conditions comfortable for both players and fans.

Overall, expect a bowler friendly start that transitions into a batting friendly finish, providing a balanced contest at Carrara Oval.

Match Prediction – Who Has the Upper Hand?

With the series level at 1–1, both sides enter the Gold Coast clash with renewed determination. India’s comeback in Hobart showcased their batting depth and improved death bowling, while Australia’s top order, led by Marsh and David, remains a formidable challenge.

The loss of Travis Head tilts the balance slightly in India’s favor, as Australia lose one of their most explosive openers. However, Glenn Maxwell’s return strengthens the middle order and brings unpredictability to the lineup.

India’s bowling unit, spearheaded by Bumrah and Arshdeep, appears better suited to the Carrara Oval conditions. If they can utilize the early bounce effectively, they have the edge. Expect another high intensity contest, but India seem better positioned to capitalize on their momentum and move ahead 2–1 in the series.

Prediction: India to win narrowly in a low scoring thriller.

FAQs About IND vs AUS Playing XI

Q1: Who are the key players for India and Australia?

For India, Suryakumar Yadav is expected to lead from the front with his trademark 360 degree hitting, while Varun Chakravarthy could be crucial in breaking partnerships with his variations. For Australia, Glenn Maxwell’s explosive return strengthens their middle order, and Nathan Ellis remains the most effective bowler with his precision at the death.