India faced a heavy defeat to Australia in the second Test at Adelaide Oval, leaving them with plenty to ponder ahead of the third Test in Brisbane. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is evenly poised and completely open, with both teams level at 1-1 after the second Test match1. The form of senior batters like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remains a major concern, while Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management is likely to spark debate.
SOURCE : ZEE
Changes in the Playing XI
Following the defeat and the conditions at the next venue, changes to the Indian XI seem inevitable. India will be hoping that Mohammed Shami joins the squad for the third Test after boarding a flight to Australia soon1. If Shami is declared fit, it would be a significant boost for the Indian team. He could potentially replace Harshit Rana in the playing XI1. While India included R Ashwin in the second Test, he appeared ineffective, likely due to the pitch offering little assistance for spinners. Ashwin could once again be dropped from the XI, with Washington Sundar making a return to the team1.
Source:- bbc news
There is a slight possibility that India might opt for an all-pace attack, but this would lengthen India’s tail. Given the current form of the top-order batters, India would likely need the cushion of a bowling all-rounder, which is where Sundar’s inclusion becomes valuable1.
Possible Playing X
Here’s how India’s lineup could shape up for the third Test against Australia:
Yashasvi Jaiswal
KL Rah
Shubman Gill
Virat Kohli
Rishabh Pant
Rohit Sharma
Nitish Redd
Washington Sunda
Jasprit Bumrah
Mohammed Shami/Harshit Rana/Akash Deep
Mohammed Siraj
Rohit Sharma’s Form and Leadership
There have been calls for Rohit Sharma to step down from the playing XI due to his poor form, with his struggles evident in the second Test in Adelaide. While there have been occasions in the past where captains have dropped themselves, it seems unlikely that Rohit would take such a bold decision1. Even if he were inclined to do so, Gautam Gambhir may not support the move. Although Jasprit Bumrah could step in as a leadership alternative, India would lack an experienced batter if Rohit were to be dropped1.
Final Thoughts
The third Test, set to be played in Brisbane, is known for its fast and bouncy tracks. The Indian team management will have to carefully consider their options and make the right decisions to bounce back in the series1.
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