India will be under pressure to do well in Australia. A key aspect will be to select the best possible playing XI. On that note, here, we are predicting India’s strongest playing 11 for the first Test in BGT 2024/25.
India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar.
Openers: Rohit Sharma (C) and Yashasvi Jaiswal
It is not confirmed if Rohit will miss the first Test. However, since the squad has been named, he is likely to play. This duo has not played in Australia together before. Hence, it will be a challenge for them to maintain their attacking approach in foreign conditions.
Middle-Order: Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant (WK)
The only competition will be between Sarfaraz Khan and KL Rahul. However, the management might proceed with KL for the first Test, at least. He has experience in Australia and in general, he can be seen as a better player of swing and movement.
All-Rounders: Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja will be the sole all-rounder for India. He will have an important job to do in both the departments of the game. A quality player in overseas conditions, Jaddu’s form could dictate India’s show in Australia.
Bowlers: Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna
Bumrah, Siraj and Akash Deep are certain in the bowling attack. It will be interesting to see if India goes for the extra spinner, Nitish Reddy or a fourth pacer. If they go for a fourth pacer, Prasidh is likely to get the nod mainly because Harshit Rana is a debutant. Hence, he is a part of India’s strongest playing 11 for the first Test in BGT 2024/25.
