Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-24, AUS vs IND, Perth Test: With Rohit Sharma unavailable and Shubman Gill injured, what will be India's probable playing XI in 1st Test?
After a deeply disappointing series loss on home soil to New Zealand, a defeat that marked the first of its kind in twelve years, India are now looking to turn the page in Test cricket as they head to Australia for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. With a few key absences in their lineup, they will be hoping to rally together and make a strong statement on Australian turf.
The absence of two crucial players from the opening Test in Perth has thrown India's preparation plans into a bit of disarray. Skipper Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will both miss the first match due to different reasons, casting a shadow of uncertainty over India’s strategy as they gear up for this important series. Gill, the dynamic opening batter, has been sidelined due to a fractured thumb, an injury sustained while fielding at slips during India's intrasquad game against India A.
Meanwhile, Rohit, who recently welcomed his second child, has opted to stay back in India to be with his family. With Rohit unavailable, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will assume the captaincy for the first Test, marking his second stint as India’s Test captain. Bumrah's first foray into leadership came in 2022 when he stood in for Rohit during a Test match in England after Rohit tested positive for COVID-19.
Rohit’s place likely to be filled by KL Rahul
As for India’s opening combination, the absence of Rohit and Gill has created a void that coach Gautam Gambhir and the support staff will need to address quickly. The young and talented Yashasvi Jaiswal is expected to take one of the opening spots, but the question remains: who will partner him at the top of the order? KL Rahul was initially thought to be the ideal candidate for the second opener’s slot, especially given his extensive experience in Australia. However, his recent performances have failed to make an impact.
Rahul, who was sent to Australia ahead of the Test series to acclimatise to the local conditions, had a forgettable outing in the second unofficial Test against Australia A. He was dismissed cheaply for 10 and 4, and to add to his woes, he sustained an injury scare when a rising delivery from Prasidh Krishna struck him on the right elbow. Fortunately, the BCCI medical team has since confirmed that Rahul is fit and expected to recover fully in time for the series.
Easwaran and Padikkal remain in contention
Another name in the mix is Abhimanyu Easwaran, who has been included in the squad as a third opener. Easwaran's domestic form has been commendable, and though he struggled in his recent outings against Australia A, he still remains in contention for a spot in the starting XI. Should Easwaran make his debut in the first Test, there could be a reshuffle in the batting order. Rahul, if fit, could move down to No.3, while Virat Kohli would continue in his established No.4 position.
Another potential option for India’s opening slot is Devdutt Padikkal, the young left-handed opener from Karnataka. Padikkal, who has impressed with his domestic performances, was also one of the centurions in the first unofficial Test against Australia A. Whether he is called up to open the batting alongside Jaiswal remains to be seen.
Middle order looks promising
India’s middle order will be bolstered by the presence of Rishabh Pant, who has proven to be a match-winner in Australia in the past. Pant’s aggressive and fearless batting has often been the catalyst for India’s success in challenging conditions, and he will be expected to play the role of an attacking middle-order anchor in this series. With the team likely to adopt a more aggressive approach, Pant’s ability to shift the momentum will be vital to India’s success.
Further down the order, the promising Dhruv Jurel has likely cemented his place in the playing XI at No.6, following an impressive showing for India A in the second unofficial Test against Australia A. Jurel, with scores of 80 and 68 in challenging conditions, has been one of the standout performers. Alongside him, Ravindra Jadeja will be expected to play a key role, not just with the ball but also in the lower-middle order. With Jadeja likely to be the lone specialist spinner in the side, his all-round abilities will be crucial as Australia’s pitches typically offer significant assistance to fast bowlers. Washington Sundar also has an outside if the team management feels to have an off-spinner in the team, although it seems unlikely.
Read More: Dhruv Jurel compiles brilliant 80 for India A at MCG; warrants a place in India XI for Perth Test
Possible bowling combination
When it comes to the pace attack, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will lead the charge with the new ball, supported by Akash Deep, who is likely to be the third seamer in the playing XI. However, there is some internal competition for the fourth seamer’s spot. Two uncapped players—Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy—have both impressed India’s think tank during their time in Australia.
Rana, in particular, has attracted attention for his ability to thrive in Australian conditions, with many observers comparing his style of bowling to that of the local fast bowlers. Reddy, the all-rounder from Andhra Pradesh, offers another option for the team as a seam-bowling all-rounder, giving India added flexibility in their bowling attack.
India's predicted playing XI against Australia in Perth Test: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Abhimanyu Easwaran/Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana/Nitish Kumar Reddy, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is set to begin on November 22 at the Optus Stin Perth.
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