India Prepares for Possible Absence of Rohit Sharma on Upcoming Australia Tour
With Rohit Sharma’s participation in the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar series still uncertain, the Indian cricket team is making strategic adjustments. KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel have been added to the India A squad for the second four-day match against Australia A, allowing India to assess potential replacements for Rohit in the event he is unavailable.
KL Rahul’s inclusion positions him as a likely contender to open alongside Abhimanyu Easwaran in the upcoming game. This arrangement could serve as a competitive opportunity for both Rahul and Easwaran, as the duo seeks to secure the opening spot for the first Test if Rohit cannot play. After the recent Test against New Zealand in Mumbai, Rohit shared his uncertainty, citing personal reasons that may affect his ability to join the squad for the series opener in Australia. “Right now, I am not too sure whether I’ll be going, but let’s see. Fingers crossed,” he commented after the third Test match.
Both Jurel and Rahul traveled to Australia ahead of the main Test squad to gain match practice through India A games. Rahul, who has previously opened for India, is expected to take the top spot in the order for the second four-day Test, while Jurel, a talented wicketkeeper-batsman, will vie for a potential middle-order slot. This opportunity will also allow Jurel to contest with Ishan Kishan for the wicketkeeper’s role.
The upcoming series against Australia poses significant challenges for India, particularly in forming an effective opening pair if Rohit is absent. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was named as part of the 18-member squad for the five-Test series, is likely to take one opening slot. However, Rahul and Easwaran are now the primary contenders to join him if Rohit is unable to participate in the Perth Test starting November 22.
Easwaran’s recent form makes him a strong option for the opening position. His impressive track record in first-class cricket includes four centuries in his last five matches, and he boasts an average of 49.40, positioning him as a solid candidate for his long-anticipated India debut. Easwaran’s consistency and top-order experience make him a compelling choice to fill in as opener alongside Jaiswal.
Meanwhile, KL Rahul is aiming to reestablish himself in the Test squad. Although he has mostly played in the middle order in recent years, Rahul began his career as an opener and remains eager to prove his adaptability and value in that position. Having been dropped after India’s loss to New Zealand in the Bengaluru Test, Rahul sees this tour as an opportunity to reinstate himself in the Test lineup.
For Dhruv Jurel, this series presents an opportunity to demonstrate his potential as a versatile backup. Already a reliable wicketkeeper, Jurel will be looking to make an impression with the bat as well, potentially positioning himself as a middle-order option. Jurel made his debut earlier this year, stepping in for Rishabh Pant against England, where he delivered a notable performance, scoring an unbeaten 90 and earning the Player of the Match title in Ranchi. His potential to fulfill multiple roles could be a valuable asset for India, especially with several team positions still up for consideration.
In addition to the uncertain lineup, India faces the broader challenge of navigating the Australian pitches, where they will meet a formidable opponent in the host team. With the World Test Championship (WTC) on the line, each match and selection decision takes on added significance, as India looks to maintain its strong standing in the WTC rankings.
The India A match against Australia A is set to be a critical proving ground, with the Indian selectors closely monitoring the performance of Easwaran, Rahul, and Jurel. This match could influence key decisions for the upcoming series and help solidify India’s lineup for the first Test, allowing the team to adapt should Rohit Sharma ultimately be unable to play.
As the countdown to the Border-Gavaskar series continues, fans and experts alike will be watching to see how India’s lineup shapes up and whether the team’s adjustments can counterbalance the potential absence of its regular captain. This five-Test series promises high stakes and intense competition, with India’s emerging and seasoned talents set to take on Australia in one of cricket’s most prestigious rivalries.