With the highly anticipated Day-Night Test between India and Australia just around the corner, the Indian cricket team management will have to consider making changes to their batting lineup for the crucial match, starting on December 6 at Adelaide Oval.
The arrival of Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who missed the first Test to be with his family after the birth of his baby boy earlier this month, and the potential return of Shubman Gill, who has almost regained full fitness after sustaining a thumb injury, will lead to changes to the playing XI.
India faces batting dilemma ahead of Day-Night Test as Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill set for return
Originally, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal were India’s Test openers, but with KL Rahul and Rajasthan Royals star’s solid performance at the top during the Perth Test, there is speculation that the Indian captain may be shifted down the order for the Day-Night Test against Australia.
Read Also: ‘Will play 70-80 Tests’: Harshit Rana identified as India’s next big star
However, Indian cricket team assistant coach Abhishek Nayar acknowledged the selection dilemma after a practice session in Canberra, but he kept tight lips on the final decision regarding Rohit Sharma’s batting position and batting order for the Adelaide Test.
Abhishek Nayar mentioned that it’s still early to make final plans, saying they will assess the situation further before finalizing the batting order for the much-awaited pink-ball Test at the Adelaide Oval.
Abhishek Nayar told the media in Canberra after India’s practice session: “Not yet. I think it is too early for us to think about that; we’re just going to try and take this game and see how it goes and then maybe come up with plans once we reach Adelaide.”
Abhishek Nayar reveals Shubman Gill shows no pain in practice
India’s assistant coach Abhishek Nayar also confirmed that Shubman Gill batted without pain during a practice session at Manuka Oval in Canberra on Friday, November 29. It was the first time that Gill batted since being ruled out of the first Test due to a fracture in his left thumb. He had sustained the injury while fielding during a match simulation ahead of the Perth Test.
Read Also: Mitchell Johnson demands exit of former World No.1 batter from Australia’s Test XI
However, Abhishek Nayar added that Shubman Gill will be closely monitored by the team’s physio on Friday, and after that, a decision will be made regarding his participation in a two-day tour match against Australia Prime Minister’s XI at the Manuka Oval in Canberra starting on Saturday, November 30.
Abhishek Nayar told the media in Canberra, “He is batting now. His evaluation will be done by our physio. I am not aware of his status. But, when batting, he looked very comfortable.”
Gautam Gambhir to re-join Indian cricket team in Adelaide
The assistant coach Abhishek Nayar also revealed that head coach Gautam Gambhir, who is currently in India for personal reasons, is expected to join the Indian cricket team soon, likely in Adelaide. Nayar signed off by saying, “Gauti bhai should be here soon. I am not sure about the date yet. I am pretty sure that he’ll be there in Adelaide once we get there.”