The less transparency between Indian fans and BCCI continues as the management is yet to “officially” state anything regarding the availability of Rohit Sharma for the upcoming opening Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test. However, as reports would have it, the Indian skipper will straightway fly to Australia after the commencement of the Perth Test. Till then, he continue to spend time with his family. Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin’s mock IPL 2025 auction has continued to grab headlines, with Ishan Kishan possibly moving to LSG for a whopping Rs 14.50 crore. Apart from this, Team India had their last practice day at the WACA on Sunday when many Indian superstars, including Virat Kohli chose not to participate. On that note, let us take a look at all the top stories from November 18, Sunday.
Virat Kohli, Gill skip BGT practice?
Shubman Gill, alongside Virat Kohli skipped India’s training session in Perth on Sunday after sustaining a finger injury during Saturday’s intra-squad game. Gill’s participation in the 1st Test against Australia is uncertain. Although the team hasn’t revealed the injury’s extent, Gill’s absence from training goes to show something. Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Yashasvi Jaiswal also missed training, but KL Rahul, who suffered an elbow blow earlier, returned to practice. Bowlers led by Jasprit Bumrah trained as scheduled. As for Kohli, he looked in great shape in the previous training sessions but had a rest day on Sunday.
Ishan Kishan to LSG for Rs 14.5 crore?
In Ravichandran Ashwin’s mock IPL 2025 auction, Ishan Kishan was sold to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for Rs 14.5 crore. Starting with a base price of Rs 2 crore, bidding began at Rs 5 and 10 crore. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) initially contested, but LSG secured Kishan. Notably, this price is a pay cut for Kishan, who was bought by Mumbai Indians (MI) for Rs 15.25 crore in 2022. Apart from this, in the same mock IPL auction, Mohammed Shami went to GT via RTM for Rs 12 crore, while Arshdeep Singh for Rs 13.5 crore. PBKS used the RTM on Arshdeep.
Devdutt Padikkal for BGT?
Devdutt Padikkal has potentially stayed in Australia with the India team, replacing unavailable players Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill in the 1st Test. After consulting selectors, team management asked Padikkal to remain as a backup option. He was part of India A’s Australia tour, scoring 36, 88, 26, and 1 in four innings against Australia A. Despite mixed performances, Padikkal’s experience in Australian conditions strengthens his case. He made his Test debut earlier this year against England, where he made a fifty on debut.
Nitish Kumar Reddy to make his debut in Perth
Nitish Kumar Reddy, touted as India’s next Hardik Pandya, is likely to make his Test debut in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy’s opening match at Perth. With Rohit Sharma unavailable and Shubman Gill injured, Reddy’s all-round skills have possibly earned him a spot. The 21-year-old impressed in IPL 2024 (303 runs, avg. 33.6, SR 142.92) and T20Is (74 vs Bangladesh). His first-class bowling stats (56 wickets, avg. under 27) also stand out. Despite modest performances in practice games, Reddy’s pace-bowling all-rounder skills would come quite handy in Perth.
No Rohit Sharma in 1st BGT Test
India captain Rohit Sharma will miss the 1st Test against Australia in Perth due to personal reasons, confirming earlier speculation. Rohit and his wife, Ritika Sajdeh, welcomed their second child, a baby boy, on Friday. He will join the team before the 2nd Test in Adelaide. The Indian skipper had informed selectors and the BCCI of his decision, opting to spend time with his family. He plans to participate in the pink-ball warm-up game against Australian Prime Minister’s XI ahead of the 2nd Test. Rohit’s absence in Perth means that India might hand debut to backup opener Abhimanyu Easwaran.
Captain Shreyas Iyer returns
Mumbai has announced their squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with Shreyas Iyer as captain. The big news is the return of Prithvi Shaw, who was earlier dropped from the Ranji team due to fitness issues. Iyer, who’s been in great form with 452 runs in Ranji Trophy, will lead a team that includes Ranji Trophy captain Ajinkya Rahane. The 17-member squad also features all-rounder Shardul Thakur and India A player Tanush Kotian. The India’s premier domestic T20 tournament will be running from November 23 to December 15 this time.
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