New Delhi: As per new reports, Indian captain Rohit Sharma is expected to take KL Rahul’s place as the opener for the upcoming fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The elegant Mumbaikar had given up his opening position in the second and third Tests of the series after returning to the team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
However, the change didn’t yield the desired results for Rohit and his team, as the Indian captain scored only 19 runs in three innings. As a result, the experienced cricketer has reportedly opted to return to his preferred role and open the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in the Boxing Day Test.
If the reports are accurate, KL Rahul is expected to bat at number three for India, with doubts surrounding Shubman Gill’s inclusion in the playing XI. As fans and experts debate India’s possible lineup, here are three reasons why Gill could be left out for this match.
Shubman Gill’s poor performance in SENA Tests:
- Known for his dazzling shot-making, Shubman Gill has struggled with the bat in SENA nations, accumulating just 481 runs at an average of 26.72. With only two half-centuries in 19 innings, his performance in these conditions has been underwhelming.
- More crucially, Gill has failed to deliver in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, managing just 60 runs at an average of 20. His ongoing slump in overseas Test matches may lead India to consider dropping him for the Boxing Day Test.
KL Rahul: A Technically Better Batter At 3
- Although Gill has struggled to get going against Australia’s opening bowlers, especially Scott Boland, KL Rahul has been a thorn in the side of the hosts with his solid and resilient technique.
- Even though Rahul has been opening the innings and facing the new ball, he has become India’s top run-scorer in the BGT 2024-25. Given his exceptional form and the stability he offers, India may not hesitate to move him to number three, replacing Gill in the process.
Nitish Reddy’s Recent Batting Exploits:
- If Rohit opens the batting and KL Rahul bats at number three, India will need to decide between Gill and Nitish Kumar Reddy for the number six spot.
- Nitish Reddy’s display in the BGT 2024 has been exceptional. He has proven to be valuable for India, contributing with both bat and ball, accumulating 179 runs and taking key wickets at important moments.
- The cricketer from Hyderabad has performed admirably and has given no reason to be excluded from the playing XI. Additionally, considering the need to rotate bowlers to prevent fatigue due to Melbourne’s intense heat, Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma are likely to favor Reddy’s all-around abilities over Gill’s batting expertise.
