The Indian cricket team is set to begin their five-match Test series against Australia. Perth will host the game and there are issues for the visitors. Skipper Rohit Sharma and batter Shubman Gill are set to miss the game. According to reports carried by the Times of India, the team is set to have a host of new faces.
According to the reports carried by the newspaper, Devdutt Padikkal is set to bat at number three. The left-handed batter will play his second Test match for India after making his debut against England in Dharamshala. The 24-year-old was part of India A team that played two games against Australia A.
Jasprit Bumrah will lead the side in the absence of Rohit Sharma who will play the Adelaide game. KL Rahul could be the preferred choice for the opening spot. The 32-year-old had got injured during the simulation game when he was hit on his elbow. Rahul, though was back batting on Sunday much to the relief of fans.
Harshit Rana in line to make his debut for India
According to reports carried by Times of India, the visitors could hand out debut caps to two players. Harshit Rana is set to make his Test debut and could feature five seamers including all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy who is also going to make his debut. This could see Ravindra Jadeja play as lone spinner and Sarfaraz Khan could miss out.
One BCCI source speaking to the Times of India said, “Harshit was very impressive in the match simulation at Perth. Especially while bowling his bouncers. There’s a good chance that he will make his India debut at Perth.”
Harshit Rana has been one of the most promising bowlers in India for the last few months. The right-arm pacer who is known to clock at over 140 KPH on a consistent basis was part of the KKR side which won the IPL 2024 title. Harshit Rana was a key factor with his wicket-taking during the tournament.
Nitish Kumar Reddy is also likely to make his Test debut as reported by various sources on Sunday. With the pitch in Perth expected to favor the faster bowlers, the team could go in with one spin option. With Jadeja’s overall overseas record with the bat being better than Ashwin, the 35-year-old will be a key player for India at Perth.