Former Indian cricketer and coach Gautam Gambhir recently spoke in a press conference about India’s preparations for the upcoming Test series in Australia. The first match, which will be played in Perth starting November 22, might be without captain Rohit Sharma. If Rohit cannot recover in time, Gambhir confirmed that KL Rahul or Abhimanyu Easwaran would replace him in the starting lineup. Additionally, he revealed that Jasprit Bumrah would take over as captain if Rohit does not play. Here’s a detailed look at how Rohit’s absence could impact India’s playing XI and the choices Team India has to make.
Who Will Open If Rohit Sharma Is Unavailable?
If Rohit Sharma cannot play, India will need to find an opener to bat alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Three contenders for this position are KL Rahul, Abhimanyu Easwaran, and Shubman Gill.
- KL Rahul: He is the most experienced option. Despite being dropped during the New Zealand series, Rahul has proven his abilities in challenging conditions, scoring centuries in Australia, England, and South Africa. Although his overseas average isn’t strong, his experience and ability to handle pace make him the top candidate.
- Abhimanyu Easwaran: Easwaran was included in the 18-member squad as a backup opener. He opened in two first-class matches against Australia-A but struggled to make an impact. Despite this, his strong domestic record keeps him in the running.
- Shubman Gill: Shubman started his Test career as an opener and was part of the team that won the historic Test series in Australia in 2021. He now bats at number three, but if required, he can return to opening. If Shubman opens, India will need to adjust their batting order.
Middle-Order Dilemma: Jurel or Sarfaraz?
With Shubman likely batting at number three, Virat Kohli would play at number four and Rishabh Pant at five. The number six spot will see a contest between Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan.
- Sarfaraz Khan: Sarfaraz played in all the Tests against New Zealand and even scored a century. However, his recent form has been shaky, which could reduce his chances. Still, if the team chooses to back him, he could remain at number six.
- Dhruv Jurel: Jurel didn’t get a chance in the New Zealand and Bangladesh series but has been in great form, scoring fifties in both innings against Australia-A. With the team struggling early in both those games, Jurel might get a chance based on current performance.
Spin All-Rounder: Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, or Ravichandran Ashwin?
India’s last Test in Perth in 2018 featured no frontline spinner, but this time a spin all-rounder is necessary. Three options are available: Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Ravichandran Ashwin.
- Ravindra Jadeja: Jadeja is often India’s go-to all-rounder for overseas Tests. His ability with the bat and exceptional fielding make him a top choice. With five right-handers in Australia’s top order, Jadeja’s left-arm spin could be vital.
- Washington Sundar: Sundar has shown promise, especially with his performance at Gabba in 2021, where he took four wickets and scored crucial runs. He could be a surprise choice if the team wants a balanced all-rounder.
- Ravichandran Ashwin: While Ashwin is a proven match-winner in India, his overseas form is less convincing. Though he has 39 wickets in 10 Tests in Australia, he might miss out in favor of Jadeja or Sundar.
Who Will Be the Pace All-Rounder?
In 2021, Shardul Thakur was India’s pace all-rounder, but he isn’t in the current squad. Instead, Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana are competing for the number eight spot.
- Nitish Reddy: Reddy played in two first-class games against Australia-A, scoring 71 runs but taking just one wicket. While he hasn’t made his Test debut, he could be chosen to deepen India’s batting.
- Harshit Rana: Harshit, a promising 22-year-old, impressed in the IPL and with India-A. He has taken 43 wickets in 10 first-class games and scored a century. However, since he is yet to debut for India in any format, he might not be preferred for the first Test.
Third Pacer: Prasidh Krishna or Akash Deep?
Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj are likely to lead the pace attack, but who will be the third seamer?
- Prasidh Krishna: Prasidh excelled against Australia-A, taking 10 wickets in four innings. He has already made his Test debut but struggled then. On Australia’s bouncy pitches, he could be a game-changer.
- Akash Deep: Akash performed well in the home series against New Zealand, swinging the ball effectively. Despite his skills, he has no experience playing abroad, making it unlikely for him to debut in the first Test.
Possible Playing XI for the Perth Test
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper)
- Dhruv Jurel
- Nitish Reddy
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Prasidh Krishna
- Mohammad Siraj
- Jasprit Bumrah (captain)
Related News: Gambhir on Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Gautam Gambhir also spoke about the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, dismissing any pressure on Team India. Responding to Ricky Ponting’s remarks, Gambhir suggested that Ponting should focus on Australia’s cricket instead.
Stay tuned as Team India gears up for an exciting Test series in Australia!