As India prepares for the first match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series against Australia, which begins on November 22 at Optus Stadium in Perth, India stands at a crucial crossroads. Being that they have recently suffered a loss in the home Test series against New Zealand and are on the back foot in the ODI series against Sri Lanka, India would very much hope to pick themselves up in this highly coveted Test series.
While the lead-in to this series was challenging, the attention now shifts more towards selecting the team and the possible playing XI for India in the first Test. Several factors come into play here with many key players missing action and looking forward to debut ventures, which add to the interest of cricket fans for this match.
Key Absences and Possible Debuts in BGT 1st Test
1. Rohit Sharma Misses Out:
Captain Rohit Sharma, whose second child was born recently, will miss the first Test at Perth. This has raised questions about leadership and composition for the final part of the series when India heads to Australia, and vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah is likely to take over for the opening Test. Here his absence offers an opportunity for other contenders and has Indian fans missing a leader like none other when they face Australia in this all-important Test encounter.
2. Shubman Gill Injured:
Shubman Gill, who’s been in brilliant touch recently, got ruled out of the game as well after going injured during a practice session. His absence will definitely leave a gaping hole in the top order, with other men possibly getting the nod ahead of them.
3. Possible Debutants:
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With these injuries, there are great chances that some young match-winners might make their debut in this series. As per the news, **Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has been impressive lately, might be given a chance to play, as he is a very good bowler. With the Perth pitch being well suited for fast bowlers, Reddy might become an essential player of the team.
Another possible debutant in this Test is Harshit Rana, a 22-year-old fast bowler. He has the opportunity to play in the series-opening Test as the wicket appears to be supporting the fast bowlers, and Rana’s pace and aggressiveness would be a great asset for India in the first BGT Test.
India’s Probable Playing XI for the First BGT Test
Yashasvi Jaiswal: This young opening batsman has been in solid form and will look to establish himself at the top of the order in the absence of Rohit Sharma. His ability to counter the Australian fast bowlers will be critical.
KL Rahul: The responsibility of governing the top order will be greater for Rahul in the absence of some regular faces. Along with Jaiswal, he should look to stabilize the innings.
Devdutt Padikkal: Padikkal is another opening choice and has appeared in glimpses of his domestic performances. He would be a candidate to make a mark in his first Test against Australia.
Virat Kohli: The ex-captain will prove to be the backbone of the Indian batting. Kohli has been a match-winner against Australia in the past, and all his experience and form shall come into play in this high-pressure series.
Rishabh Pant (wk): Pant’s aggressive batting has been a part of India’s middle order. Coming as a wicketkeeping-batsman, the pressure on Pant with bat and gloves will be high in Perth.
Dhruv Jurel: Flexibility for the team; ability to play ball and bat alike. Domestic cricket experience is likely to pay dividends in the middle order.
Nitish Kumar Reddy: He might get his first Test cap in view of quite a few absences. His bowling can give India an added dimension in case of pitches suit pacers.
Ravichandran Ashwin: Ashwin would play a key role and lead the spin attack. He has also gained significant experience in conditions down under, especially with the pink ball, where the strange comparisons have caused serious issues in the past.
Harshit Rana: He may make his debut, and his inclusion would be a statement from India on its focus on youth and pace. His ability to generate bounce could be a decisive factor on a Perth pitch that is known to assist fast bowlers.
Jasprit Bumrah (c): Bumrah will take up the mantle of responsibility in Rohit Sharma’s absence. One of the world’s leading fast bowlers, Bumrah is also going to play a pivotal role with the ball in the first Test. His leadership skills will also be put to the test in a tightly contested contest.
Mohammed Siraj: Siraj has been a potent baller, but more than that, he is aggressive with his bowling and continues to develop during each game. Combined with Bumrah and Rana, he will look for early wickets to test the Australians.
India’s Concerns Currently
An Indian side, which will be really down in form considering the lack of form lately and also with the large number of big players unavailable, enters the series. With Gautam Gambhir and Co. at the helm, who have failed to make India play as it’s expected to play, potential under-performances from the side could raise concerns on whether or not the current team management should continue.
The team has already been weakened by the non-availability of seasoned batsmen like Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. But this also means a great platform for younger players, including the debutants, to step up and make an impression on international cricket.
Future Outlook in the Team
Conditions at Optus Stadium, which tend to favor fast bowlers, will prove to be a different proposition altogether for India’s batsmen. Australia is naturally used to its fast bowling aggression, so it will be interesting to see whether the Indians can work out the conditions better than their predecessors.
If they can manage it, then their batting will be the crucial factor on day one as they search for early breakthroughs in the Australian top order with a combination of their pace bowlers Bumrah, Siraj, and probable debutants such as Harshit Rana.
Thus, keeping all key players out of the team, the playing XI from India for the opener against Australia is a mix of youth and experience, and they at least have some hope. The opening game will define the rest of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and India would want to stamp its authority back in Australian conditions.
