There is a lot of confusion in the Indian camp, or it seems from the outside, prior to the IND vs AUS first Test, that kicks off in Perth on November 22. A report in Cricbuzz first stated that IND A skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devdutt Padikkal, along with other members, were asked to stay back, as the selectors wanted to take a call, if they could be drafted into the team.
Ruturaj Gaikwad & IND A Depart for Home
In fact, there were rumours that Ruturaj Gaikwad was in line to make his Test debut as well. But if a fresh report from RevSportz is to be believed, the former has departed for India from Perth, along with other teammates. On the other hand, same cannot be said for Padikkal. “The India A team, under Ruturaj Gaikwad, is still in Australia, and the selectors may ask a few batters to stay back for the series as a backup measure,” a source revealed.
All this is a result of some injury concerns in Team India. For now, Shubman Gill is already out of the first Test owing to a thumb injury. There is uncertainty over KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan’s fitness. Plus, there won’t be any Mohammed Shami or Rohit Sharma in the first Test.
IND vs AUS, 1st Test
It is also predicted that all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy could be handed a debut in the Perth Test, with a number of senior members missing from the side. The selection headache does not end there as the management will have to pick and choose, as to what all pacers will play, the spinners who make the cut.
Reports have also suggested that Abhimanyu Easwaran could be drafted in the team for the opening Test. The confirmation will only be made on the day of the Test, when the XI is actually announced, though.
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