Uncertainty Looms Over India’s Batting Lineup for First Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy

As India gears up for the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth, questions surrounding the team’s batting order have intensified following injury concerns and player availability issues.

Shubman Gill, who has been a regular fixture in India’s top order, sustained a left thumb injury on the second day of India’s intra-squad training match at the WACA on Friday. The injury occurred while Gill was fielding in the slips, forcing him to leave the field without returning. Although the full extent of the injury is yet to be confirmed, there is uncertainty over whether Gill will be available for selection for the first Test, which starts on November 22 at the Optus Stadium.

While Gill has primarily batted at No. 3 in recent times, he was also being considered as an option to open the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, especially with Rohit Sharma's availability still up in the air. Rohit, who recently welcomed the birth of his second child with wife Ritika Sajdeh, had previously informed the BCCI and selectors that he might miss the series opener due to the timing of the birth. However, it remains unclear if Rohit will make it to Perth in time for the first Test.

In the event that both Gill and Rohit are unavailable, India could turn to other options for the opening slots. One such player is Devdutt Padikkal, who has been part of the India A squad in Australia. While it is not yet confirmed whether Padikkal will be included in the main squad or remain with the reserves, his presence with the Test group suggests he could be called upon to bolster the batting order if needed.

Another possible opening option is KL Rahul, though his fitness is also under question. Rahul was struck on the elbow by a short ball during the first day of the simulation match. He did not return to bat later in the day and was unable to take the field on Saturday. As a result, India will be closely monitoring his condition in the lead-up to the first Test.

With several key players facing fitness issues, India also has Abhimanyu Easwaran as another potential candidate for the top order. Easwaran, who has been in the squad for some time, could slot in if required.

Gill’s recent performances in the training match have been mixed. He made 28 in his first innings before being caught at gully off a Navdeep Saini delivery. He returned to the crease later in the day and made an unbeaten 42, suggesting he is in reasonable form, though his injury status will be a crucial factor in determining his participation.

As India awaits a clearer picture of the fitness of its top-order batsmen, the team management is likely to make final decisions regarding the playing XI closer to the start of the first Test. With Rohit’s availability still uncertain and key players like Gill and Rahul carrying fitness concerns, India will need to make swift adjustments to their batting lineup in order to put their best foot forward in what promises to be a highly competitive series against Australia.