India’s Possible XI for the Second Test Against Australia: Changes Expected for Day-Night Clash in Adelaide
Rohit Sharma Returns as Captain; Shubman Gill Set for Comeback
Adelaide, 5th December 2024 — Team India is likely to make significant changes to their playing XI for the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scheduled to begin on Friday, 6th December, at the Adelaide Oval. The day-night Test, played with the pink ball, is expected to see the return of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, both of whom missed the first Test due to injury. Rohit will lead the team, replacing the interim captain from the first Test.
Top Order Adjustments:
Despite a successful opening partnership in Perth, the combination might shift slightly. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are expected to retain their opening spots. Rohit Sharma, instead of opening, may move down to the middle order to strengthen it. Shubman Gill, recovering from an injury, is likely to bat at number three, replacing Devdutt Padikkal.
Middle Order Stability:
Virat Kohli is set to continue at his usual number four position. Rohit Sharma is expected to bat at number five, providing experience and stability. Rishabh Pant, who batted at five in the previous Test, will likely drop to number six. This shift is aimed at optimizing the batting order’s depth and resilience.
Lower Middle Order and All-rounders:
India’s lower middle order may feature all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar at number seven and eight, respectively. This selection implies that star all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin might remain on the bench.
Pace Trio Remains Unchanged:
The pace attack is expected to remain consistent, featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Harshit Rana. Rana impressed during his debut in Perth and retains the coach Gautam Gambhir’s confidence.
India’s Probable XI for Adelaide:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Rohit Sharma (Captain)
- Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Washington Sundar
- Harshit Rana
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
Coach’s Final Decision Pending:
Coach Gautam Gambhir, who rejoined the team recently, will assess the Adelaide pitch before finalizing the lineup, particularly the opening combination.