India has opted for a pace-heavy bowling attack in their current match at the Optus Stadium, known for its quick and bouncy pitches. The team features four fast bowlers, including two debutants, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana. Both have shown promise, particularly in the IPL, with Reddy also delivering strong performances in Indian colors earlier this year.

Washington Sundar is the lone spinner in the lineup, stepping in after a stellar personal run in the recent home Test series against New Zealand, where he claimed 16 wickets across two matches in Pune and Mumbai. Sundar's selection means India is playing without their usual spin stalwarts, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, both of whom have been mainstays in home Tests. However, Sundar’s recent form, which includes a remarkable 152-run knock in the Ranji Trophy, solidifies his spot in this pace-favoring setup.