What Team India achieved in the first IND vs AUS Test at Perth, is nothing short of remarkable. Not only they beat the hosts by a massive 295 runs, but did so when some of their frontline players weren’t available for selection. Mohammed Shami was still recovering from injury, Rohit Sharma had his second baby, while Shubman Gill had a thumb injury just before the match.
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill In, Devdutt Padikkal Out
Hence, the likes of Devdutt Padikkal, makeshift opener KL Rahul stepped in, while Mohammed Siraj was an able replacement in the bowling department. It is still 10 days until the second IND vs AUS Test starts, but skipper Rohit will be back for sure, while nothing is confirmed about Shubman and Shami.
Given the Adelaide Test is going to be a D/N fixture, Team India and Gautam Gambhir need to make sure, that the team makes the least possible changes; any tinkering can just shift the balance of the side. Yes, if available, Shubman Gill is a certainty, but barring that no other changes should be considered, as of now.
Adelaide, in D/N matches will most likely have bounce and pace (not as much as Perth), but a bowling delight for pacers. So, Rohit Sharma should not even think about getting an additional spinner, and stick with Washington Sundar, who, with his height will get some purchase. Apart from that, the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Harshit Rana will do the job.
Nitish Reddy Should Stay
Yes, Nitish Reddy. Not only will India need an additional batter in him, but he’s shown, he can handle the Aussie players in their conditions. It was largely due to his efforts in the first innings of the Perth match, that India reached 150..he scored 41. And he can send down some crucial overs too.
On the other hand, another challenge for India would be KL Rahul’s batting position. It is a no-brainer that Rohit will open with Yashasvi Jaiswal, but then having batter so well in the entire match, many would feel, Rahul deserves to remain at the top of the order.
Best India Playing XI for Adelaide Test
Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
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