IND vs AUS Nagpur test: The Australian team which is touring India is going to play 4 Tests and 3 ODIs. The first Test between the two teams is scheduled to take place on the 9th in Nagpur. Both the teams are preparing hard for this match.
Captain Rohit is leading the Indian team for this series. KL Rahul acts as the vice-captain. Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, who is recovering from a car accident, and fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who is recovering from an injury, will play in the India Border-Gavaskar Trophy this time. Besides, the arrival of Shubman Gill, KS Bharath, Jaidev Unadgad and Kuldeep Yadav has given Dravid a big headache.
Also, who will open with Rohit Sharma? Who will act as wicket keeper instead of punt? Where does Shubman Gill fit into? Umesh Yadav or Jaidev Unadkat for fast bowling? Spinner Axar Patel or Kuldeep Yadav? A series of questions have arisen.
Who will open with Rohit Sharma?
This is a big question that worries the Indian team. While KL Rahul is the primary opener, Shubman Gill’s current form is threatening the opposition and giving the selectors a headache.
Gill was threatening to score a century and a double century in the recent home series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand. Due to this, the team management has supported him to continue to play in all 3 formats. Having already scored a century in Tests, he is the 5th Indian player to score a century in all 3 formats. Hence, there is a high chance for him at the starter’s spot. Rahul may be fielded in the middle-order like in the ODI series.
Subman Gill from December 2022
Tests: 2, Innings: 4, Runs: 157, Cents: 1, Avg: 39.25
ODIs: 6, Runs: 567, Avg: 113.4, Centuries: 3 (including double centuries), Fifties: 1
T20: 6, Runs: 202, Average: 40.40, 1 Century, Strike Rate: 165.57
Who has a chance at Rishabh Bund place?
KS Bharat is likely to replace wicket keeper Rishabh Pant. He is yet to make his official debut for India after a long wait. If India decide to hand KL Rahul the keeping duties for the first Test, he may have to wait for his debut. However, it is noteworthy that Rahul has not been made a full-time wicketkeeper for the Indian team in Test matches.
Wicketkeeper Options:
KL Rahul
Ishan Kishan
KS Bharat
Umesh Yadav or Jaidev Unadgad?
In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav is the only true swing bowler. He has speed, accuracy and swings it well with the red SG ball. Mohammed Shami is a similar fast bowler. However, it is said that India’s fast bowling line-up of Siraj-Shami will lead the way. But who is the third seamer? is not over yet.
On the other hand, Jaidev Unadkar is the only left-arm fast bowler in the team. He has shown excellent bowling in the domestic series and will be the main option for the team.
AKhar Patel or Kuldeep Yadav?
Another topic of discussion is Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav. However, both are unlikely to play if Nagpur offers a sporty pitch. If it turns out to be a rank-turner, Axar Patel will get a chance at the expense of a seamer. Coming with green, India are likely to bat less.
Border – Gavaskar Trophy: India Target XI:
Rohit Sharma, Subman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, KS Bharat (wicket keeper), Ravindra Jadeja
Ravichandran Ashwin, Umesh Yadav or Jaydev Unadgad, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj
List of Indian Team Players:
Rohit Sharma (captain), K.L. Rahul (vice-captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, K.S. Bharat (wicket keeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket keeper), R. Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd. Shami, Mohammed. Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaidev Unadgat, Suryakumar Yadav.
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