Indian National Cricket Team assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has revealed why the team management decided to drop young batting sensation Shubman Gill for the fourth Test match of the five-match series against the Australian National Cricket Team.
Abhishek Nayar also confirmed Rohit Sharma’s return to the opening role in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground starting on Thursday, December 26.
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Rohit is likely to come and open for us – Abhishek Nayar
Abhishek Nayar, speaking to the media after the end of play on Day 1, confirmed that Rohit will once again open the batting.
“Rohit is likely to come and open for us,” said the assistant coach of the Indian National Cricket Team.
Abhishek Nayar said, “Rohit is likely to come and open for us” (Press/Sports Express) pic.twitter.com/ow7itpvIrt
– Jones. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 26, 2024
Notably, Rohit Sharma was replaced by KL Rahul as opener and he started batting in the middle order. The decision to replace Rohit as opener came after the duo of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal did a fantastic job opening the innings in the Perth Test in the absence of Rohit Sharma.
As soon as Rohit Sharma returned to the team after missing the first Test, he decided to give up his top spot to KL Rahul and took the 6th spot himself. Also, the Indian captain himself confirmed that he will bat in the top order in the innings.
He didn’t really fall, he just couldn’t find his way in the combination – Abhishek Nayar
India have made a shock change to their playing XI for the Melbourne Test as Shubman Gill, who has looked superb against the Australian bowlers in the first three Tests despite not scoring big. Gill was replaced by Washington Sundar in the squad for the match.
Speaking about the move, Indian National Cricket Team Assistant Coach Abhishek Nayar said that Shubman Gill was not actually “dropped” and he was just missing out as he made changes to the XI combination. He said:
“Looking at the pitch, we felt that Washi could have been in solidarity with Jaddu – I feel for Shubman, but he understands – He didn’t really fall, he just couldn’t find his way in the mix.”
Abhishek Nayar said, “Looking at the pitch, we felt that Washi could have stood in solidarity with Jaddu – I feel for Shubman, but he understands – He’s not really down, he just couldn’t find his way in the mix.” (RevSportz) pic.twitter.com/UiYXdsdJGR
– Jones. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 26, 2024
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