India Faces Key Selection Dilemmas Ahead of Boxing Day Test: Gavaskar Weighs In
As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between India and Australia reaches a critical juncture, tied at 1-1, Team India finds itself facing significant selection dilemmas ahead of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The aftermath of the hard-fought draw in the third Test at the Gabba has led to intense discussions about possible team changes, with legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar offering his insights on what adjustments the Indian team management must consider.
The most notable development has been the sudden retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s finest all-rounders, following the third Test in Brisbane. Ashwin’s absence leaves a considerable void in India’s squad, both in terms of his tactical acumen and his unmatched skill as a spinner. In response, rookie off-spinner Tanush Kotian has been named as Ashwin’s replacement, signaling a new chapter for India’s spin department.
One of the biggest debates surrounding the Indian lineup is the place of Nitish Kumar Reddy in the XI. While some believe that Washington Sundar should replace Reddy to provide an additional spin option, Gavaskar has firmly opposed this idea. Speaking to Star Sports, Gavaskar emphasized, “They can’t drop Nitish Kumar Reddy. He is the fourth seamer. I can’t see India going in with just two pacers and Nitish. For me, it is pretty much this XI that plays in Melbourne.”
Despite his struggles with the ball in the series, Reddy’s ability to contribute with the bat and provide crucial breakthroughs makes him indispensable to the team’s balance, according to Gavaskar. Additionally, there are reports suggesting a potential reshuffle in the batting order, with Rohit Sharma potentially returning to his preferred opening position. This change would likely require a reconfiguration of the middle order, with K.L. Rahul possibly slotting in at No. 3 and Shubman Gill either dropping down to No. 4 or being replaced by Dhurv Jurel.
India’s pace bowling lineup has also come under scrutiny, with Akash Deep, who played a crucial role with the bat to help India avoid the follow-on at the Gabba, expected to retain his spot. Gavaskar dismissed the idea of replacing him with Harshit Rana, stating, “Unlikely that Harshit will replace Akash Deep. Why would you drop a man who has saved your team from follow-on?”
As the Indian team prepares for the upcoming Test in Melbourne, all eyes will be on the selection decisions that could shape the outcome of this high-stakes series.
