IND vs AUS: Shubman Gill to Miss 1st Test vs Australia? Indian Batsman Suffers Fingers Injury

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Read Original Content: IND vs AUS: Shubman Gill to Miss 1st Test vs Australia? Indian Batsman Suffers Fingers Injury

India’s star batter Shubman Gill might miss the first Test against Australia, starting on November 22 in Perth. The 25-year-old hurt his finger while attempting a catch during a match simulation against India A at the WACA on November 16. Medical staff attended to him quickly, and he is likely to be out for at least 10 days. This could push his return to the second Test, a pink-ball game in Adelaide.

Uncertainty Around Rohit Sharma’s Availability

Adding to India’s concerns, captain Rohit Sharma’s participation in the Perth Test remains uncertain. Rohit recently welcomed a baby boy on November 15. If he plays, he is expected to open the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. This leaves the number three spot open for either KL Rahul or Abhimanyu Easwaran.

Both Rahul and Easwaran have practiced for the opening role recently but failed to impress during the match simulation. The Indian batting lineup, in general, struggled during the session, raising concerns ahead of the crucial series opener.
The team has additional options for number three, such as Dhruv Jurel, who shone in the unofficial Test against Australia A. However, Jurel has excelled in the middle order, and moving him up could disrupt his rhythm.

Team Management’s Dilemma

This is not the first time India has faced such a situation. Gill missed the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru earlier this year, leading to Virat Kohli being promoted to number three. Although Kohli scored a half-century in the second innings, the move was not highly successful.

Gill’s absence would be a blow for India, as he looked in fine form during practice sessions and has valuable experience playing in Australia. On the other hand, players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sarfaraz Khan, despite their potential, lack similar experience in Australian conditions.

With only a few days left, the Indian team management will need to finalize their plans and ensure the batting order is ready for the challenges ahead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Read Original Content: IND vs AUS: Shubman Gill to Miss 1st Test vs Australia? Indian Batsman Suffers Fingers Injury

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