Team India‘s disappointing performance in the Pink Ball Test at Adelaide Oval has raised serious concerns about the team’s strategy and execution. A humiliating 10-wicket loss exposed weaknesses in both batting and bowling departments. With Australia riding high on confidence, India must make significant adjustments to compete effectively in the upcoming third Test at Gabba, Brisbane.
The Gabba Test, scheduled to begin soon, will be a defining moment for India in this Border-Gavaskar series. Known for its pace-friendly conditions, the Gabba will demand not only technical skill but also mental resilience from the Indian side. The management needs to make bold calls, reshuffle key players, and focus on their strengths to challenge the hosts. Here are three crucial changes that can turn the tide in India’s favor.
3 changes India should make for the 3rd Test
1. Rohit Sharma to open the batting
Rohit Sharma is one of India’s most accomplished openers, and his experience at the top of the order can bring much-needed stability to the Test team. Although he batted at No. 6 in the Adelaide Test, promoting him to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal could strengthen India’s top order. Rohit’s presence could add reliability and confidence at the top order.
Facing Australia’s fearsome pace attack in Brisbane requires technical finesse and the ability to weather early pressure. Rohit’s ability to play both defensive and attacking cricket makes him an ideal candidate to lead from the top. If he can see off the new ball and provide a solid start, India’s middle order will have a better platform to build on.
Also READ: 3 key reasons behind Team India’s defeat in the Pink Ball Test against Australia
2. Ravindra Jadeja in place of Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round abilities make him a valuable asset in any Test side. While Ravichandran Ashwin’s experience and craft are undeniable, Jadeja’s consistent performances with the bat, ball, and in the field make him the better choice for Gabba. Ashwin failed to create significant impact in Adelaide, and Jadeja’s ability to bowl economically and generate bounce could be more effective on the pace-friendly Gabba pitch.
Additionally, Jadeja’s batting in the lower order can provide much-needed depth. With India’s batting faltering in Adelaide, his presence at No. 7 or 8 could help stabilize innings and add crucial runs. Moreover, his exceptional fielding skills are an added advantage that can save runs and create wicket-taking opportunities.
3. Akash Deep in place of Harshit Rana
India’s pace department struggled to capitalize on the Adelaide pitch, with Harshit Rana failing to deliver the desired impact. Bringing in Akash Deep for the Gabba Test could be a game-changing move. Akash has shown the ability to extract bounce and swing, making him a potent weapon on Brisbane’s lively surface.
With Mohammed Shami still unavailable, Akash’s raw pace and energy can complement India’s established pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. His inclusion would also provide the team with a new dimension and help maintain relentless pressure on Australia’s batting lineup.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Rohit Sharma provides update on Mohammed Shami’s return in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
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