The highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 begins on November 22 with the first Test in Perth, but India faces significant challenges even before the match starts. With injuries to key players like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and uncertainty over Mohammed Shami, head coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Jasprit Bumrah have a lot on their plate.
Top-Order Concerns: Replacing Rohit and Gill
The absence of Rohit Sharma has forced India to promote KL Rahul to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, filling Gill’s number three slot remains a puzzle. Gambhir hinted at Dhruv Jurel stepping in, given his recent exploits against Australia A. Though primarily a middle-order batter, Jurel has shown solid technique that might allow him to adapt to this new role.
Middle-Order Stability
The middle order appears more stable with Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant cementing the fourth and fifth spots. However, the selection between Sarfaraz Khan and Washington Sundar for the number six position adds intrigue. Sundar’s inclusion could offer bowling flexibility alongside Ravindra Jadeja, but Sarfaraz’s domestic form makes him a strong contender.
Bowling Options: Debut for Nitish Kumar Reddy?
With Shami unavailable, India’s pace department faces a shuffle. Nitish Kumar Reddy, the young pace-bowling all-rounder, could make his debut. Despite a lackluster showing against Australia A, Reddy’s potential and the pace-friendly conditions in Perth may work in his favor.
For the third seamer slot, the battle is between Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna. While Akash has Test experience, Harshit and Prasidh’s height and ability to extract bounce make them strong contenders. Gambhir’s familiarity with Harshit from his time at Kolkata Knight Riders might tip the scales in favor of the 22-year-old.
India’s Likely XI for the Perth Test
- KL Rahul (vc)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Dhruv Jurel
- Virat Kohli
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar / Sarfaraz Khan
- Jasprit Bumrah (c)
- Mohammed Siraj
- Akash Deep / Harshit Rana
- Ravichandran Ashwin
What to Expect from the Perth Pitch
The Perth surface is known for its pace and bounce, making it a paradise for fast bowlers. India’s relatively inexperienced top order will face a stern challenge against Australia’s formidable pace attack, while Bumrah’s leadership will be tested as he juggles captaincy with spearheading the bowling attack.
With several debutants likely and injuries to contend with, the Perth Test promises to be a significant test of India’s depth and resilience as they embark on this historic five-match series.