India’s Opening Test Dilemma: Padikkal and Jurel Set to Replace Rohit and Gill
With just three days remaining before India’s highly anticipated Test series against Australia commences in Perth, the tourists have been dealt a blow with the absence of key players. Skipper Rohit Sharma is expected to miss the series opener due to the birth of his son, while Shubman Gill has fractured his thumb during a simulation game.
To fill the void left by Rohit and Gill, India have a pool of reserves to choose from, including Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Devdutt Padikkal, and Dhruv Jurel. However, recent practice sessions have hinted at the team management’s preference for Padikkal and Jurel.
During a practice session on Tuesday, Padikkal, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal were observed fielding in the slip cordon, while Jurel, a wicket-keeper batter, was spotted in the gully. These fielding positions suggest that Padikkal and Jurel are likely to be included in the playing XI for the Perth Test.
Jurel has impressed in the practice games he has played in Australia, scoring two half-centuries while batting in the middle order. However, with Rishabh Pant set to keep wickets, Jurel will need to play as a specialist batter in Perth.
The names of Gaikwad and Easwaran were also considered as potential replacements for Rohit and Gill. However, the team management appears to have settled on Padikkal and Jurel for the opening Test.
India’s top six for the Perth Test is likely to be:
1. Padikkal
2. Kohli
3. Rahul
4. Jaiswal
5. Jurel
6. Pant (WK)
This lineup will face a formidable Australian bowling attack led by Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon. India will be hoping that Padikkal and Jurel can provide a solid start and set the platform for a successful series opener.
