The first match of the 5-match Test series against Australia is set to be played in Perth, but before this Test, several players from the Indian team could be sidelined. Shubman Gill has already been ruled out, and multiple players are dealing with injuries, raising big questions about what India’s playing XI will look like.
There is still uncertainty surrounding Test team captain Rohit Sharma. He recently became a father for the second time, and reports suggest he might not play in the first Test in Perth. However, other sources claim that the “Hitman” might feature in the match. No official confirmation has been made yet.
This Test series is crucial for India as it plays a significant role in their journey to the World Test Championship (WTC) final. The first match of the series is scheduled to begin on November 22 (Friday) at Perth’s Optus Stadium.
KL Rahul to Open with Yashasvi Jaiswal?
During a practice match against India A, KL Rahul was injured by a delivery from Prasidh Krishna. However, the latest reports indicate that Rahul has fully recovered. He could potentially open the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Shubman Gill, on the other hand, is unlikely to play in the Perth Test due to a fractured left thumb. He is expected to return for the second Test in Adelaide, starting on December 6.
Dhruv Jurel’s Selection Confirmed
Wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel impressed during the match against Australia A, scoring 80 and 68 runs in his two innings at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. He could be included in the team as a specialist batsman, a decision also supported by former India head coach Ravi Shastri.
Nitish Reddy as the Fourth Pacer Option
Nitish Reddy is expected to make his debut in the Perth Test, as he would provide a fourth bowling option alongside Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep. For the spinner’s role, Ravindra Jadeja is likely to be preferred over Ravichandran Ashwin, but Washington Sundar, who performed well in the recent series against New Zealand, could also be considered.
Sarfaraz Khan’s Injury
Before Rahul’s return, Sarfaraz Khan sustained an injury during practice, hurting his elbow. A video showed him leaving the field while holding his elbow. Sarfaraz scored an impressive 150 in one of the matches during the Test series against New Zealand, and his injury could be a significant setback for the team. His participation in the Perth Test remains uncertain, but there is hope that he will recover in time, just like Rahul.
Reports also emerged that Virat Kohli was taken for scans before the practice match, but the good news is that he is fully fit and has put all speculation to rest.
Probable Playing XI for Perth Test: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja/Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.
Indian Squad for Australia Tour: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Jasprit Bumrah (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar.
Australia Squad for First Test: Pat Cummins (Captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.