India Prepares for Border-Gavaskar Trophy Opener with Key Changes

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia is expected to start on November 22 at Perth’s Optus Stadium, but there’ll be major changes in the Indian line-up going into the first Test due to a mix of injuries and personal commitments.

Rohit Sharma to Miss Perth Test

Indian team caption and the godfather of cricket, Rohit Sharma, will not be available for the first Test as he has opted to spend more time with his family due to the recent birth of his second child. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced through a statement that Rohit Sharma will return as captain to lead the side in the second Test, which is scheduled to commence on December 6 in Adelaide.

Vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will stand in as regular captain and lead the side for the first Test, which will be the first time he leads the side in a Test match.

New Faces in the Squad

The lack of Rohit has allowed young blood to strengthen the team. Though there for the India A tour, Devdutt Padikkal has been added to the Test side. This left-handed batter should bring much-needed depth and be a breath of fresh air to the top order.

Plus, they may have the services of an all-rounder in Nitish Kumar Reddy. For his first Test cap, he is likely to be included. Reddy holds the scope of being the fourth seamer. He could add depth to the pace attack on the speed-friendly Optus Stadium pitch.

Injury Concerns Addressed

India’s batting lineup has seen yet another reshuffling with the news of Shubman Gill’s injured thumb. KL Rahul is back fit from injury and is most likely to open the innings in Gill’s place, as confirmed by the video released by the BCCI.

Dhruv Jurel has also emerged as an option going forward in the batting order. His show in the tour game against Australia A, for instance, where he notched scores of 80 and 64, gave him an excellent chance to be considered for the playing XI.

India’s Strategy for the Opening Test

Balance is the key, India’s team management thinks, as they look to take on Australia’s formidable pace attack, while pacer Nitish Kumar Reddy’s inclusion as a fourth seamer reflects the plans to exploit Perth’s pace-friendly conditions.

The team will also rely heavily on experienced players like Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja to anchor the batting and bowling departments, respectively. Bumrah’s leadership will be crucial as he navigates a team featuring young and experienced players alike.

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Conclusion

A few minor changes and no major ones yet felt to be significant because India had dropped some popular names and brought in rising young talent before the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite all these changes, it is expected that the team will give a fair show under captain Jasprit Bumrah.

FAQ

1. Why is Rohit Sharma not playing the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy?

India opener Rohit Sharma will sit out the first Test against Australia for personal reasons – he will spend time with the family of his second child.

2. Who is the first Test captain of India against Australia?

According to sources, it is Jasprit Bumrah who would lead the Indian team in the first Test at Perth as he happens to be the vice-captain under Rohit Sharma.

3. Who have been the two new additions to India’s Perth Test squad?

The two who have been added are Devdutt Padikkal and Nitish Kumar Reddy. He replaces Rohit Sharma whereas Reddy is likely to be a fourth seamer on his debut.

4. Will KL Rahul play in the first Test?

Yes, KL Rahul has completely recovered from the injury and will join the team in the opening Test against Australia.

5. How can fans watch Border-Gavaskar Trophy live?

Fans can watch live cricket for free on Winexch, the first destination for cricket lovers.