The upcoming 1st Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia, set to begin on November 22 at the WACA in Perth, will witness India fielding a team without two of its key players – captain Rohit Sharma and opener Shubman Gill. The absence of both players has created uncertainty in India’s lineup as they prepare to take on Pat Cummins’ Australia in what promises to be an exciting and challenging series.
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill Missing the 1st Test
Rohit Sharma, who is usually at the helm for the Indian team, will miss the first Test due to personal reasons. The Indian skipper stayed back in India to be with his wife, who recently gave birth to their second child. While he is expected to join the team later for the practice game against the Australian Prime Minister’s XI, his absence leaves a significant void in India’s leadership and batting lineup.
Shubman Gill, the talented opener, will also miss the game after fracturing his thumb while fielding during an intra-squad game against India A. With both players unavailable, India is faced with the challenge of reconfiguring their opening pair and leadership structure.
Jasprit Bumrah to Lead India in the 1st Test
With Rohit’s absence, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will step up to lead the Indian team for the second time in his career. Bumrah, who has previously captained India once during a 2022 Test match in England when Rohit was sidelined due to COVID-19, will now lead the charge in Australia. This marks a crucial moment in Bumrah’s leadership journey, especially with India’s title defense on the line.
India’s Openers: Yashasvi Jaiswal and Who Else?
One of the biggest questions surrounding India’s lineup is the identity of Rohit Sharma’s opening partner. Yashasvi Jaiswal, the promising young opener, is certain to feature in the top order. However, with Shubman Gill out, India’s think tank will need to pick a suitable partner for him. KL Rahul, often regarded as a reliable opening option, was initially seen as the most likely candidate to accompany Jaiswal.
However, Rahul’s recent struggles in the warm-up games, including scores of 10 and 4 in the second unofficial Test against Australia A, have raised doubts about his form. Additionally, Rahul suffered a scare after being hit on the elbow by a rising delivery from Prasidh Krishna, though the latest update from the BCCI medical team suggests he is fit to play.
Abhimanyu Easwaran of Bengal could be another potential candidate. Although he didn’t capitalize on his opportunities against Australia A, Easwaran’s solid technique and experience in domestic cricket make him a strong contender. Alternatively, Devdutt Padikkal, who impressed during his stint with India A, is also in the mix, particularly after his century in the first unofficial Test against Australia A.
Middle Order: Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant Set to Play Crucial Roles
In the middle order, Virat Kohli is expected to play a key role in India’s batting lineup. Kohli, who has been in good form recently, will be tasked with providing stability and building partnerships. Following Kohli, Rishabh Pant will take up the No. 5 slot. Pant, known for his aggressive approach, has a strong record in Australian conditions, and his ability to turn games on their head will be crucial in the middle overs.
Dhruv Jurel, another standout performer for India A, is likely to slot in at No. 6. Jurel’s solid knocks of 80 and 68 in the second unofficial Test were instrumental in India A’s fightback, making him a natural choice for the No. 6 position.
Ravindra Jadeja to Lead the Spin Attack
With India’s pace-heavy attack expected to dominate in the Australian conditions, Ravindra Jadeja will likely be the lone specialist spinner in the squad. Jadeja has a strong record in overseas conditions and will be called upon to provide control and break partnerships in the middle overs. His all-round skills will also provide flexibility in India’s lineup, making him an invaluable asset.
Bowling Attack: Bumrah, Siraj, and the Seaming Duo
The pace attack will be led by Jasprit Bumrah, with Mohammed Siraj set to share the new ball. Both Bumrah and Siraj are known for their ability to exploit seam movement and swing, making them a dangerous duo in conditions that favor fast bowlers. The third seamer could be Akash Deep, who has impressed with his pace and consistency.
India is also likely to choose between two uncapped pacers – Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Both bowlers have been making waves in Australia during the build-up to the Test series. Rana, who has looked promising in the IPL, is expected to shine on Australian pitches, while Reddy, an all-rounder from Andhra Pradesh, offers the team an additional seaming option.
India’s Predicted Playing XI for the 1st Test Against Australia
Based on current form and injury updates, here’s a look at India’s likely playing XI for the 1st Test against Australia in Perth:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul / Abhimanyu Easwaran / Devdutt Padikkal
- Virat Kohli
- Rishabh Pant
- Dhruv Jurel
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Harshit Rana / Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Akash Deep
- Jasprit Bumrah (C)
- Mohammed Siraj
Conclusion
India’s first Test in Perth against Australia will undoubtedly be a tough challenge, especially without the leadership of Rohit Sharma and the presence of Shubman Gill. However, with a squad filled with young talent and experienced players, India will be hoping to make a strong statement in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The key players to watch will be Jasprit Bumrah’s leadership, the top-order stability, and how India’s bowlers adapt to the Australian conditions. The missing pieces will add an extra layer of intrigue as the series progresses, and the result of this Test will set the tone for the rest of the series.
