The Indian cricket team is sweating it out ahead of the opening game against Australia in Perth. The squad just got done with their simulation match, which was played at the famed WACA stadium. Jasprit Bumrah is set to lead the side with Rohit Sharma confirmed to miss the game.
Few of the eagle-eyed fans saw the players who were more in prominence. It could be seen that Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, and KL Rahul were fielding in the slips. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel were also spotted fielding near the slip cordon and taking catches. Rishabh Pant was seen keeping wickets.
This, according to many, more or less confirms India’s likely XI for the opening game on Friday. Sarfaraz Khan is likely to get the axe as Dhruv Jurel has been scoring runs for India A during their matches against Australia. It was also reported that Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana could be given their Test debuts on Friday.
Sanjay Manjrekar warns Virat Kohli ahead of Perth Test
Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar has sent a huge warning to Virat Kohli ahead of the 1st game. The former star batter turned commentator while speaking to Star Sports, said, “I think Virat knows exactly what's going to be planned. They'll start with that line outside the off-stump and gauge what his mindset is. These days, he often leaves balls outside off and looks to drive anything pitched up."
Virat Kohli was out playing outside the 4th stump line during the simulation game. “Australia might also try to cramp him for room and attack his body since he likes to get forward," said Manjrekar. India's former batter was dismissed for 49 during the WTC 2023 final caught by Steve Smith off Scott Boland while going for a wild drive.
The former India star also said, “This was a tactic New Zealand used effectively. If he's focused on balls outside off stump, bowlers like Josh Hazlewood might target that typical Vernon Philander line on middle stump. Australia will test various strategies, and Virat Kohli is fully aware of that."
Australian commentator Kerry O Keefe said, “And Kohli, who has worried them over the years, what a stunning player he’s been, but in sport, if you sense that the King of the jungle is slightly weaker, you poke a bit of cheek at him”
The Australian also added “I’m fascinated to see what Virat Kohli ends up with at the end of the summer. It could be the decisive point in the whole summer. If he has an absolutely blazing series, India could win.”
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