India’s Test tour of Australia has taken an unexpected turn with the news of Rohit Sharma’s absence from the first Test due to the birth of his second child. This leaves the team without their regular captain and a key batsman, adding to the challenges posed by Shubman Gill’s injury.
Jasprit Bumrah will lead the side in the Perth Test?
In Rohit’s absence, experienced fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was named captain for the first test. This is a significant responsibility for the talented pacer, who will lead the team in his first Test as captain.
Top 5 options for Indian batters for Perth Test
The absence of Rohit and Gill has forced India to rethink their batting order. While KL Rahul is a likely candidate to open the innings, other options like Abhimanyu Easwaran, Dhruv Jurel, Virat Kohli, and even Washington Sundar could be considered for the top three positions.
1. KL Rahul: A seasoned opener, Rahul has the experience of playing in Australian conditions. Despite a recent dip in form, he remains a strong contender for the opening spot.
2. Abhimanyu Easwaran: The talented domestic cricketer has been in stellar form, scoring four consecutive centuries. While his recent performance against Australia A was underwhelming, his domestic record suggests he could be a viable option.
3. Dhruv Jurel: The young wicket-keeper batter impressed in the India A matches against Australia A, showcasing his batting prowess with scores of 80 and 68. He could be considered for the number three position.
4. Virat Kohli: A proven match-winner, Virat Kohli could be shifted to the number three position to provide stability to the middle order. However, his recent form has been inconsistent.
5. Washington Sundar: The all-rounder could be promoted to the top order, adding a left-handed option and providing depth to the batting. His experience of playing in Australia and his ability to contribute with both bat and ball make him a valuable asset.
The Indian team management will have a tough decision to make in selecting the right combination for the first Test. The choice will likely depend on factors such as pitch conditions, the opposition’s bowling attack, and the overall balance of the team.