In a last-minute squad change, the BCCI has confirmed that Devdutt Padikkal has been added to India’s squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia. This development comes just days before the opening Test in Perth, with Shubman Gill’s availability in doubt due to a thumb injury.
Devdutt Padikkal has joined the #TeamIndia squad.🙌
The left-handed batter shares his experience and excitement of training with the group ahead of the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy👌👌#AUSvIND | @devdpd07 pic.twitter.com/KxFrbIPMwS
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 21, 2024
Key Updates:
- Shubman Gill’s Injury: Gill suffered a fracture on his left thumb during an intra-squad match. Despite signs of improvement, he is unlikely to play the first Test.
- Padikkal’s Inclusion: With Rohit Sharma already unavailable, the selectors acted swiftly to bring Padikkal into the squad as an opening option.
- Gill’s Recovery Timeline: Gill might return to action during the second Test in Canberra or the warm-up match against an Australian Prime Minister’s XI next week.
The injury to Gill and the absence of Rohit Sharma present challenges for India’s top-order stability. Padikkal’s inclusion offers the team a promising left-handed option to tackle Australia’s formidable pace attack.