Team India isn’t the one that slips out secrets that easily. Playing XIs for matches is certainly among the most protected piece of information, that one can get their hands on, and the IND vs AUS Perth Test in no different. While all the experts have their opinions and ideas, the management might have just revealed the top six for the match starting on November 22.
Dhruv Jurel & Devdutt Padikkal In
As per various images being circulated on the web, a few players can be seen practicing catches, at the slip cordon. And that might be an indication enough, as to what all batsmen will be playing. The image shows the likes of Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, and keeper Rishabh Pant in the practice session.
With just three days to go for the match, the Gautam Gambhir-led management will certainly have a fair idea, as to what combination they would want to play in the absence of skipper Rohit Sharma. While Jasprit Bumrah will step up as the captain, his opening role will most likely go to KL Rahul.
IND vs AUS, 1st Test
It could be a choice between Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli for the no. 3 position, followed by Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel. As far as bowling unit is concerned, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja look two certainties. There is no clarity whether the team will go with Harshit Rana or Nitish Kumar Reddy as the all-rounder.
Mohammed Siraj could be the second pacer along with Bumrah.
On the other hand, Team India suffered a big blow when batter Shubman Gill injured his thumb and was ruled out for the first Test. That meant, India would use KL Rahul has as the opener, despite the presence of Abhimanyu Easwaran in the squad. Mind you, both Rahul and Easwaran failed badly in the IND A vs AUS A matches, which were held earlier in the month.
