India began their Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 campaign at the Optus Stadium in Perth with notable changes in their playing XI, including the absence of star top-order batter Shubman Gill. Here’s why Gill isn’t part of the lineup:
Gill sustained a thumb injury during an intra-squad match leading up to the first Test. Although the injury was not initially deemed serious, it limited his participation in practice sessions, leaving him out of contention for the series opener. Indian management has decided not to risk him, keeping his long-term fitness in mind, especially with four more Tests to follow.
Gill’s absence has opened the door for Devdutt Padikkal, the left-handed batter from Karnataka, to step in. Padikkal, who was already part of the India A squad in Australia, has been promoted to the senior side to bat at No. 3. This marks a critical opportunity for the young batter, who has shown promise in domestic cricket and during his brief Test stint earlier this year against England.
Gill has been a vital player for India in past Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaigns, showcasing solid performances against Australia. His stats against the Aussies in Tests underline his importance:
| Year | Innings | Runs | Avg | HS | 50s | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 80 | 80.0 | 45 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 4 | 179 | 44.8 | 91 | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 | 5 | 185 | 37.0 | 128 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 11 | 444 | 44.4 | 128 | 2 | 1 |
The team management is optimistic about Gill’s return for the second Test in Adelaide, pending his recovery. With his impressive record against Australia and ability to handle pace and bounce, his return will significantly strengthen India’s batting lineup.
India’s Playing XI for the 1st Test
India has opted for a refreshed lineup, with Jasprit Bumrah as the stand-in captain in Rohit Sharma’s absence. The inclusion of two debutants, Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana, reflects India’s intent to balance experience with fresh talent.
| India Playing XI | Role |
|---|---|
| KL Rahul (wk) | Opener |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Opener |
| Devdutt Padikkal | No. 3 |
| Virat Kohli | No. 4 |
| Rishabh Pant (wk) | No. 5 |
| Dhruv Jurel | No. 6 |
| Washington Sundar | Allrounder |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | Allrounder |
| Harshit Rana | Bowler |
| Jasprit Bumrah (c) | Bowler |
| Mohammed Siraj | Bowler |