Indian former cricketer, Harbhajan Singh has revealed his predicted playing XI for India ahead of the highly anticipated first Test match against Australia. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the line, he highlights the importance of selecting a balanced side capable of tackling Australia’s formidable challenge.
As per the reports, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have been out of the first Test against Australia in Perth in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Rohit pulled out of the first match due to personal reasons, whereas Gill got injured while fielding in the match simulation practice of India.
In the absence of Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah would be leading the side against Australia in the inaugural match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. It will be the second test match of team India under Bumram, first being played in Birmingham against England.
Harbhajan Singh has chosen Akashdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj as the two pace bowlers to join captain Jasprit Bumrah in India’s fast-bowling attack for the first Test against Australia. This trio brings the perfect balance of pace, accuracy, and variety to counter Australia’s batting lineup. Bumrah’s leadership and ability to deliver in crunch moments, combined with Siraj’s consistency and Akashdeep’s raw pace, could prove to be a potent force on Indian pitches.
He opted for Ravichandran Ashwin over Ravindra Jadeja in the playing XI for the first Test, citing Ashwin’s vast experience and impressive track record against Australia. He believes Ashwin’s ability to exploit spin-friendly conditions and his mind for outsmarting top-order batsmen make him a key asset for India in this crucial clash.
As an additional bowling option, Harbhajan Singh was undecided between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravindra Jadeja, depending on the conditions of the Perth pitch.
The former off-spinner backs Sarfaraz Khan over Dhruv Jurel. He stated, “If Sarfaraz fails to score runs in the first few matches, then only Dhruv should replace him.”
He looked disappointed by the exclusion of Cheteswar Pujara and said, “I want someone to play like Pujara in the BGT. He was very important. We never talked about him much. The work Pujara has done in Australia… Hats Off!”
Harbhajan’s predicted playing XI
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah (C), Mohammad Siraj, and Akashdeep Singh.
