Speculations are rife about changes in India’s XI for the Boxing Day Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia starting on December 26 at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne.
As the teams prepare for the crucial fourth Test in Melbourne, the Indian cricket team faces a significant selection dilemma regarding their squad, especially with Ravichandran Ashwin’s unexpected retirement from international cricket after the drawn Gabba Test.
With the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 tied at 1-1, changes to India’s XI are definitely on the cards and it is even said that young pace bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy could be dropped from the squad to bring in him. Second spin back all-rounder Washington Sundar.
Sunil Gavaskar backs Nitish Kumar Reddy to feature in Boxing Day Test
Media claims that Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar will play in the Boxing Day Test; So, Nitish Kumar Reddy will have to give way to the Tamil Nadu star, but legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar feels that it would be a big mistake for the team management to accept the challenge.
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Former India captain Nitish Kumar strongly believes Reddy should be in India’s playing XI for the Boxing Day Test against Australia. Gavaskar feels that Reddy as the fourth seamer is crucial to the balance of the Indian cricket team and cannot be dropped from the XI.
The legendary Indian pacer has predicted that the Gabba Test squad for the Melbourne clash will remain unchanged, stressing that India cannot go into the ongoing five-match Test series with only two pacers into the must-win Test match.
They can’t drop Nitish Kumar Reddy: Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar said on Star Sports ahead of the fourth MCG Test: “They can’t drop Nitish Kumar Reddy. He is the fourth sailor. I can’t see India going in with just two pacers and Nitish. For me, that’s pretty much the 11 playing in Melbourne.”
Meanwhile, Sunil Gavaskar also dismissed the idea of ​​replacing Akash Deep with Harshit Rana for the crucial fourth Test against Australia at the MCG.
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However, Akash Deep’s bowling in Brisbane was unremarkable with figures of 3/123 but his 31 runs off 44 balls in the 11th over was crucial in helping India escape the next Test and draw Australia in the third Test. at The Gabba.
Harshit Rana unlikely to replace Akash Deri: Sunil Gavaskar
The legendary batsman feels it is difficult for Harshit Rana to replace Akash Deep, especially after the pacer played a key role in the later stages. He thought that there was no point in throwing Akash away. Gavaskar said, “Harshit is unlikely to replace Akash Deep. Why throw away the man who saved your team?”
Additionally, the Indian team is also considering changes in the top order for the upcoming Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Rohit Sharma may return to open and KL Rahul may move to No. 3, with Shubman Gill facing the ax as he struggles with the bat Down Under.
