The Border-Gavaskar Trophy clash between India and Australia is set to begin on November 22 at Optus Stadium, Perth. Injury concerns and the absence of captain Rohit Sharma have created several voids in the visiting team’s starting lineup. With Rohit unavailable for the series opener, Jasprit Bumrah will step in as captain.
Here’s a look at India’s potential XI for the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy:
1: Yashasvi Jaiswal
The young and dynamic opener Yashasvi Jaiswal is expected to retain his spot at the top of the order for India’s upcoming tour of Australia, having earned praise for his stellar performances in the red-ball format. His consistent form and ability to take on quality bowling attacks make him a key asset for the challenging series ahead.
Jaiswal has received support from numerous Indian and Australian cricket experts, who expect him to make a significant impact in the series.
2: KL Rahul
Versatile Indian batter KL Rahul is expected to replace captain Rohit Sharma, who is unavailable from the first Test match, citing personal reasons. He is a technically sound cricketer who combines elegance with power, capable of anchoring an innings or accelerating when needed. Over the years, he has delivered match-winning performances in high-pressure situations, showcasing his composure and game awareness.
He is among the select few batters with prior experience playing in Australian conditions.
3: Devdutt Padikkal
Talented left-handed batter Devdutt Padikkal is expected to play at No. 3, after batter Shubman Gill injured his thumb while practicing. He is an emerging talent in Indian cricket with a solid technique and temperament. Padikkal’s footwork and shot selection make him a reliable top-order batter, capable of playing long, grinding innings while also punishing loose deliveries.
It would be a great test of his temperament and his adaptability to varying conditions.
4: Virat Kohli
The greatest batter of all time, Virat Kohli, is set to play his fifth tour with the Indian cricket team on Australian soil. He has been a mainstay batter in India’s batting lineup for over a decade. Kohli’s ability to adapt to different conditions and his hunger for big scores have made him one of the finest batters in the longest format. Virat Kohli continues to inspire the next generation with his passion for the game and relentless pursuit of excellence.
He loves to play in Australia and is expected to score a huge amount of runs, which can help India retain the title.
5: Rishabh Pant
The dynamic and fearless wicketkeeper-batter, Rishabh Pant, is set to start the tour against Australia in Perth. Pant has played several memorable knocks, including a historic century in Australia that helped India claim a famous series victory. His aggressive stroke play, particularly in challenging situations, has made him a crucial asset for India in the longest format, especially in overseas conditions.
Pant’s fearless attitude and ability to turn games around would be crucial for team India in the series.
6: Sarfaraz Khan/Dhruv Jurel
There would be a title battle for the No. 6 spot in the Indian cricket team. Both Sarfaraz and Dhruv have impressed with their performances recently. Dhruv Jurel, who was a part of the India A squad, played an impactful knock against Australia A in a much more challenging condition. Sarfafarz Khan, who was part of the Indian squad, scored a century against New Zealand in India.
Choosing between them is a tough decision, but whoever gets the opportunity will give their best for the team.
7: Nitish Kumar Reddy/Ravindra Jadeja
Nitish Kumar Reddy is a young and inspiring all-rounder who has showcased his talent in domestic cricket and is regarded as a player with a bright future. He has been chosen for his first ever international tour with the Indian Test team. Ravindra Jadeja, one of the most valuable all-rounders in modern cricket, has been a crucial part of team India for a very long time.
One of them will get a chance to play against the Mighty Aussies in Perth, depending upon the pitch and conditions of the ground.
8: Ravichandran Ashwin
One of the most skilled and intelligent spinners in world cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin, is set to play the first Test match in Perth. He has the ability to outthink batters with his sharp variations, including his well-disguised carrom ball and his precision with flight and spin. His relentless pursuit of excellence makes him one of the finest spinners in modern cricket.
Ashwin would be looking to deliver another match-winning performance for India, either with the ball or the bat.
9: Jasprit Bumrah (C)
In the absence of Rohit Sharma, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah would be captaining the Indian side in the first Test game against Australia. He is one of the premier seamers in Test cricket, known for his ability to deliver precise, impactful spells in all conditions. His aggressive and intelligent bowling, especially in the final sessions of a Test match, makes him one of the most lethal bowlers in the format.
10: Mohammed Siraj
Emerging fast bowler Mohammed Siraj would be looking to make an impact for the team India in Australia. He is an aggressive fast bowler, known for his ability to generate swing and seam movement in any conditions. His strong performance in overseas conditions, especially in challenging places like Australia, has established him as one of the most promising pacers in world cricket.
11: Akashdeep Singh/Prasidh Krishna
Akashdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna are both emerging fast bowlers with the potential to make an impact in the world of Test cricket. Both bowlers are known for their pace and aggressive approach, which makes them a constant threat to the opposition. While Akashdeep is a left-arm fast bowler and Prasidh is a right-arm fast bowler, both have distinctive actions that can unsettle batsmen.
