Big news from Hobart! Australian speedster Josh Hazlewood will be missing from the third T20I against India on November 2, 2025. For the Indian top order, this is a massive sigh of relief after the pacer’s devastating performance in Melbourne.
Why is Josh Hazlewood not playing the 3rd T20I?
The official reason is workload management and a strategic shift in focus. With the highly anticipated 2025-26 Ashes series just around the corner, Cricket Australia has decided to rest its premier fast bowler to ensure he’s in peak condition for the red-ball challenge .
After his match-winning spell at the MCG, where he ripped through India’s batting lineup, Hazlewood confirmed his T20I series is over. He’s already heading home to prepare for the upcoming domestic Sheffield Shield game, a crucial step in his Ashes build-up .
What This Means for Team India
Hazlewood’s absence is a significant tactical advantage for India. His ability to swing the new ball and maintain relentless pressure at the death makes him a nightmare for any batting side. Without him, the Indian batters have a much clearer path to post a competitive total or chase down a target at the Bellerive Oval.
This is a golden opportunity for India’s top order—players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Abhishek Sharma—to find their rhythm and build some much-needed confidence ahead of the remaining matches in the five-game series .
The Arshdeep Singh Puzzle Continues
While India gains from Hazlewood’s exit, a major talking point remains their own team selection. The continued omission of left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has left fans and experts scratching their heads .
According to team management, Arshdeep is being rested, with veteran Mohammed Shami brought in as his replacement for the Hobart clash . However, with no reported injury, many believe this is a puzzling selection call that disrupts the team’s balance, especially in the powerplay and death overs where Arshdeep excels .
Looking Ahead: The Full T20I Series Schedule
The five-match T20I series is far from over. Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up:
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd T20I | November 2, 2025 | Bellerive Oval, Hobart |
| 4th T20I | November 6, 2025 | Gold Coast Stadium, Carrara |
| 5th T20I | November 8, 2025 | The Gabba, Brisbane |
With the series finely poised, every match is critical. India will be eager to capitalize on Hazlewood’s absence in Hobart to level the series .