Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has shared his predictions for India’s playing XI in the upcoming Pink-Ball Test against Australia, starting December 6 at the Adelaide Oval. India, currently leading 1-0 in the five-match series, are expected to bring back skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Shubman Gill. Rohit missed the first Test due to the birth of his second child, while Gill was sidelined with a thumb injury during a practice match at the WACA Ground.
Speaking on 7Cricket, Gavaskar confidently suggested that both Rohit and Gill would return, replacing Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel. However, he predicted a reshuffle in the batting order.
“Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will certainly come back into the XI,” Gavaskar said. “I believe the batting order will change. Rohit will open in place of Rahul, Gill will bat at three, and Rahul will move down to six. Padikkal and Jurel will miss out.”
Gavaskar also hinted at a potential third change, suggesting that Ravindra Jadeja could replace Washington Sundar in the lineup. “Jadeja for Sundar seems like a likely move,” he added.
India dominated the first Test in Perth, defeating Australia by a massive 295 runs. The second Test at Adelaide will be another crucial battle, with Australia missing pacer Josh Hazlewood due to a side strain.
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Gavaskar’s Predicted India XI for the Second Test:
Mohammed Siraj Rohit Sharma (c) Yashasvi Jaiswal Shubman Gill Virat Kohli Rishabh Pant (wk) KL Rahul Ravindra Jadeja Nitish Kumar Reddy Harshit Rana Jasprit Bumrah
