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India's Predicted Playing XI for 5th Test vs Australia: Shubman Gill Likely to Make a Comeback
Team Finance Saathi
02/Jan/2025
What's covered under the Article:
- India’s predicted playing XI for the 5th Test against Australia includes Shubman Gill making a potential comeback.
- KL Rahul may be pushed to the No.6 position with changes to the batting order in the Sydney Test.
- Prasidh Krishna could make his debut in the 5th Test, with Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep at risk.
The Indian cricket team is gearing up for the decisive 5th Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia, with the match set to begin at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 3, 2025. After suffering a heavy 184-run defeat in the crucial 4th Test in Melbourne, the team will look to bounce back and avoid a series loss. The Indian squad has been under pressure throughout the tour, especially with the constant changes to their playing XI.
Shubman Gill’s Expected Comeback
One of the major talking points heading into the 5th Test is the potential return of Shubman Gill to the playing eleven. Gill, who has struggled with form on this tour, scoring just 60 runs in three innings, could find himself back in action for the New Year's Test. Gill is expected to replace one of the spinners, likely Ravindra Jadeja, due to the pace-friendly nature of the Sydney pitch.
In the previous Boxing Day Test, Washington Sundar replaced Shubman Gill, a move that surprised many fans. However, Sundar made an impression with the bat, contributing to his selection for the upcoming match. With the Sydney pitch favoring fast bowlers, the Indian team is likely to opt for three fast-bowling options and Sundar as the sole spinner. If Gill makes his comeback, he is likely to slot into his regular No.3 position, with KL Rahul dropping down to No.6 in the batting order.
KL Rahul and Team Changes
The adjustments to the Indian batting lineup will see KL Rahul returning to the No.6 position, as Gill is expected to open alongside Rohit Sharma. Rahul had previously given up his opening spot for Rohit Sharma in the last Test, but his flexibility will be useful in ensuring that the team’s batting order is balanced. KL Rahul’s versatility will allow the team to maximize the available options, and the middle-order will look to provide more stability against the Australian bowling attack.
Changes in the Bowling Attack
While the focus is on the batting changes, India’s bowling attack is also likely to see modifications. Ravindra Jadeja, who has only taken four wickets in the ongoing series, might be dropped in favor of more pace options. Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep have struggled with their consistency, and one of them may make way for Prasidh Krishna, who has been waiting for a chance in the playing XI.
Prasidh Krishna is one of the few Indian pacers yet to feature in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and his inclusion could add an extra layer of pace and bounce to the attack. With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj leading the pace attack, the team might also consider Harshit Rana, who is another pace-bowling option in the squad.
India’s Predicted Playing XI
Given the changes in the batting and bowling order, India’s predicted playing XI for the 5th Test against Australia could look something like this:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- KL Rahul
- Nitish Reddy
- Washington Sundar
- Akash Deep/Prasidh Krishna
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
This team composition is designed to add more pace options while retaining the strength of spin through Sundar. Shubman Gill’s return to the playing XI will be a key factor in India’s bid to regain form and fight back in the series.
Looking Ahead to the Sydney Test
With India facing Australia in this crucial Test, the team’s strategy will need to be both aggressive and calculated. Changes to the playing XI, including the likely inclusion of Shubman Gill and Prasidh Krishna, could prove to be the right combination to challenge Australia’s formidable lineup. The Sydney pitch, which is expected to favor pace bowling, will be key to India’s chances in this match. With the series on the line, all eyes will be on the Indian team’s performance in this decisive Test.
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