Lagatar24 Desk
PERTH: India faces a crucial selection challenge ahead of the first Test against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Optus Stadium, Perth. With regular opener Rohit Sharma unavailable due to the birth of his second child and Shubman Gill sidelined with a fractured thumb, the opening combination is under the spotlight.
India’s Selection Dilemmas
Who Will Partner Yashasvi Jaiswal?
The toss-up for the opening slot appears to be between KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran. Despite Rahul’s recent inconsistent form for India A, his flexibility and experience make him the management’s likely choice to pair with Jaiswal. Head coach Gautam Gambhirhas backed Rahul for the role, though Easwaran may have to wait for his debut.
Who Fills the No. 3 Slot?
Devdutt Padikkal has been retained as a backup and is expected to bat at No. 3 in Gill’s absence. Although his India A outings were mixed, the Karnataka batter remains the frontrunner.
Potential Debuts
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Test Debut
Bowling coach Morne Morkel hinted at a debut for 21-year-old seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. His recent performances have impressed the selectors, and his inclusion adds balance to the squad.
Harshit Rana or Akash Deep?
While Harshit Rana was considered for the pace attack, Akash Deep is likely to be the third seamer alongside skipper Jasprit Bumrahand Mohammed Siraj.
India’s Predicted XI
1.Yashasvi Jaiswal
2.KL Rahul
3.Devdutt Padikkal
4.Virat Kohli
5.Rishabh Pant (WK)
6.Dhruv Jurel
7.Nitish Kumar Reddy
8.R Ashwin
9.Akash Deep
10.Jasprit Bumrah (C)
11.Mohammed Siraj
Australia’s Predicted XI
1.Nathan McSweeny
2.Usman Khawaja
3.Marnus Labuschagne
4.Steve Smith
5.Travis Head
6.Alex Carey (WK)
7.Mitchell Marsh
8.Pat Cummins (C)
9.Mitchell Starc
10.Josh Hazlewood
11.Nathan Lyon
