Speculation is rife over changes to India’s playing XI for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 must-win Boxing Day Test against Australia, which begins on December 26 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG ) in Melbourne.
As the teams prepare for the crucial fourth Test in Melbourne, the Indian cricket team is facing a major selection dilemma over its line-up, especially due to Ravichandran Ashwin’s unexpected retirement from international cricket after the draw in the Test. Gabba.
With the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy underway tied 1-1, changes to India’s XI are definitely on the cards, and it is even said that young bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy may be dropped from the team to bring back the second turn of the off-roader Washington Sundar.
Sunil Gavaskar backs Nitish Kumar Reddy to retain Boxing Day Test spot
Media reports claimed that Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar will play in the Boxing Day Test; Therefore, Nitish Kumar Reddy will have to make way for the Tamil Nadu star, but legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar feels that it will be a big mistake if the team management accepts this decision.
Also Read: Sunil Gavaskar and Matthew Hayden reveal ultimate plan to solve India’s batting crisis
The former Indian captain strongly believes that Nitish Kumar Reddy should be in India’s XI for the Boxing Day Test against Australia. Gavaskar believes that Reddy, as the fourth seamer, is crucial for the balance of the Indian cricket team and cannot be dropped from the XI.
The legendary Indian batsman also emphasized that India cannot afford to go into the must-win Test match of the ongoing five-match Test series with just two pacers, and predicted that the Gabba Test line-up should remain unchanged for the Melbourne meeting.
They can’t bring down Nitish Kumar Reddy: Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar said on Star Sports before the fourth Test at the MCG: “They can’t bring down Nitish Kumar Reddy. He is the fourth sailor. I can’t imagine India coming in with just two pacers and Nitish. “For me, it’s pretty much this XI that plays in Melbourne.”
Meanwhile, Sunil Gavaskar also rejected the idea of replacing Akash Deep with Harshit Rana for the crucial fourth Test against Australia at the MCG.
Also Read: Australia badly misses David Warner in BGT 2024-25, says Ravi Shastri
However, Akash Deep’s bowling in Brisbane was unremarkable, with figures of 3/123, but his 31 runs off 44 balls at 11th over were crucial in helping India avoid the continuation and earn a draw against Australia in the third test. at The Gabba.
Harshit Rana unlikely to replace Akash Deep: Sunil Gavaskar
The legendary batsman feels that Harshit Rana is unlikely to replace Akash Deep, especially after the pacer played a key role in the sequel. He felt that leaving Akash would be pointless. Gavaskar signed off saying, “Harshit is unlikely to replace Akash Deep. Why would you leave a man who saved your team from being tracked?
Additionally, the Indian team is also considering changes in the top order for the upcoming Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Rohit Sharma could open again, and KL Rahul could move to number 3, with Shubman Gill facing dismissal, having been struggling with the bat in Australia.
