You know, it is easier said than done. To axe a skipper not only from his role as a leader, but from the playing XI as well, that too of the stature of Rohit Sharma, is just near impossible. Whatever reports might circulate in the media, but then to expect a such a change for the IND vs AUS 5th Test in Sydney just out of question. Not only will it raise questions over his credentials, but tarnish his image too. So, don’t expect the unexpected to happen.
Now, InsideSport takes a look at the predicted India playing XI for the upcoming SCG Test, starting on January 3.
Rohit Sharma to Open, Shubman Gill Back
The SCG Test will once again see skipper Rohit Sharma open the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Though he is a sitting duck for the Aussies right now, but then..that’s how things are at the moment for Team India. His position doesn’t really matter, as he has failed in the middle order, as well as the top.
But then, the first change will definitely be, Team India will most likely, bring back in Shubman Gill, who was surprisingly dropped from the XI for the Melbourne Test. He should be India no. 3, followed by Virat Kohli at No. 4, and maybe KL Rahul at no. 5.
Punishment for Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Siraj
Rishabh Pant, in the four matches of the series, has only scored 154 runs at an average of 22. He has no fifties to his name, and was castigated for throwing away his wicket in both the innings of the MCG Test. While he might be best keeper-batter in the country, hands down, but he deserves to be taught a lesson. Instead Dhruv Jurel could be brought in, who also looks like a solid batter, and in his 4-match Test career, has scored runs at an average of 40.
On the other hand, expect a tired, and ineffective Mohammed Siraj to lose his spot to Prasidh Krishna. Even though the Hyderabadi has 16 wickets in the series, at an average of 31, but he hasn’t been able to provide enough support to Jasprit Bumrah, who has handled the workload alone. He has leaked 503 runs in the series already.
Instead Prasidh would be a welcome change in the playing XI. He played in the two IND A vs AUS A matches as well and was mighty effective. In two matches, he picked up 10 wickets, and could trouble the Aussie batters with his bounce.
Choice Between 2nd Spinner or 3rd Pacer
Now, this position can be debatable. Initially, India opted for an extra pacer in the 3 matches, and then went with an additional spinner in Melbourne. It would depend on the wicket, as to who Rohit Sharma picks. The choice is between Washington Sundar, Akash Deep and even Harshit Rana. While Washi, apart from bowling a few overs can score some runs, the same cannot be expected from the other two. It is sort of a gamble for the Indian team.
India Predicted XI for IND vs AUS 5th Test in Sydney
- Rohit Sharma
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- KL Rahul
- Dhruv Jurel
- Nitish Reddy
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Prasidh Krishna
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Harshit Rana
