India’s preparation for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener against Australia in Perth has hit a roadblock as Shubman Gill suffered a thumb injury during an intra-squad training match at the WACA. The incident has left the Indian camp in a state of uncertainty regarding their batting lineup, as the injury occurred just a week before the first Test, scheduled to begin on November 22 at the Optus Stadium.

Gill’s Injury Details

The talented right-hander, who was fielding in the slips, injured his left thumb on the second day of the practice match and had to leave the field immediately. While the exact severity of the injury is yet to be determined, Gill did not return to the field after sustaining the injury. Concerns are mounting about whether he will be available for the opening Test, where his presence in the batting lineup is considered crucial.

Gill has been India’s preferred No. 3 batter in recent matches, but he is also being considered as a potential opener alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. This contingency arises from the uncertainty surrounding Rohit Sharma’s availability, as the Indian skipper is awaiting a final decision on his participation due to personal reasons.

Devdutt Padikkal to Stay Back

To bolster options, the team management has decided to retain Devdutt Padikkal, who is currently in Australia as part of the India A squad. While Padikkal’s role with the Test team—whether as part of the main squad or the reserves—is yet to be clarified, his inclusion provides India with an additional left-handed option at the top order.

Padikkal has been in good form recently, showcasing his capabilities as an opener during the domestic season and India A tours. His technique and temperament make him a viable candidate for the rigorous Australian conditions, should the team need an emergency backup.

Rohit Sharma’s Availability in Doubt

Meanwhile, the Indian camp received joyous personal news as skipper Rohit Sharma and his wife Ritika Sajdeh welcomed their second child on Friday. However, this development has complicated Rohit’s travel plans for the Perth Test. While he had earlier communicated to the BCCI about his potential absence due to the childbirth, it is still unclear whether he will make it to Australia in time for the match.

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Rohit’s absence could significantly impact India’s batting depth, especially in light of recent struggles. India endured a 3-0 ODI whitewash against New Zealand, raising concerns about their form heading into the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran in the Fray

Adding to India’s woes, KL Rahul, another opening option, sustained an elbow injury on the first day of the simulation match. He was hit by a short ball and had to leave the field. Rahul did not bat later in the day or on Saturday, leaving his availability for the Perth Test uncertain as well.

This leaves India with Abhimanyu Easwaran as the only other designated opener in the squad. Easwaran, known for his patience and technique, might be thrust into the playing XI if both Rohit and Rahul remain unavailable.

Gill’s Recent Form

Despite his injury, Shubman Gill showed glimpses of his class during the practice match. Batting twice on Friday, he scored 28 runs in his first innings before being caught at gully off Navdeep Saini’s back-of-length delivery. In his second outing, he made an unbeaten 42, displaying his resilience and skill.

His potential absence would be a major blow for India, as the young batter has been a consistent performer in recent Test matches. With his ability to adapt to challenging conditions, Gill has become a key figure in India’s batting lineup.

India’s Batting Concerns

India’s batting lineup has been under scrutiny following their disappointing ODI series in New Zealand. The team’s ability to cope with Australia’s world-class pace attack, led by Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, is expected to be a decisive factor in the series.

The absence of key players such as Rohit Sharma or Shubman Gill could leave a significant gap, putting additional pressure on the likes of Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Yashasvi Jaiswal to deliver.

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Key Questions Ahead of Perth

• Will Rohit Sharma make it to Perth? With limited time before the Test, the Indian skipper’s travel and readiness remain uncertain.
• Who will open the batting? If both Rohit and Rahul are unavailable, India might consider pairing Yashasvi Jaiswal with either Abhimanyu Easwaran or Devdutt Padikkal.
• Is Shubman Gill fit to play? The medical team’s assessment of Gill’s thumb injury will determine if he can feature in the playing XI.

Conclusion – Shubman Gill

The lead-up to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener has been far from ideal for India. With injuries and uncertainties plaguing the squad, the management will need to make some crucial decisions in the coming days. The inclusion of Devdutt Padikkal and the potential return of Rohit Sharma will be vital factors in determining India’s batting composition.

For now, fans and experts alike will keep a close watch on the developments in the Indian camp as the countdown to the high-stakes Perth Test begins.