India are set to conflict with Australia within the third Take a look at of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 on the Gabba in Brisbane, commencing on December 14, 2024. Following a disappointing ten-wicket defeat within the Pink Ball Take a look at, the Indian crew is raring to rebound and take the lead within the sequence, which is at present tied at 1-1. With each groups vying for supremacy, the stakes are excessive, and modifications to India’s lineup could possibly be pivotal.
Cheteshwar Pujara’s strategic suggestion to vary the taking part in XI
In gentle of the current loss, veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara has proposed a major alteration to India’s taking part in XI. He advocates for Washington Sundar to switch Ravichandran Ashwin, citing Ashwin’s underwhelming efficiency in Adelaide the place he managed just one wicket for 53 runs throughout 18 overs. Pujara believes that Sundar’s all-round capabilities may bolster India’s batting order whereas offering a dependable off-spin possibility. Sundar’s earlier contributions throughout India’s historic win on the Gabba in 2021 additional strengthen his case, as he performed a vital function with each bat and ball throughout that memorable match.
“I really feel just one change may occur. Because the batting wasn’t good, Washington Sundar can come instead of R Ashwin. Ought to somebody come instead of Harshit Rana? In my view, no. You backed him and he carried out nicely within the first match,” Pujara said on Star Sports activities.
Additionally READ: AUS vs IND: Harbhajan Singh names two modifications within the Indian crew for Brisbane Take a look at
Pujara stands by Harshit Rana for the upcoming Take a look at
Regardless of some skepticism surrounding Harshit Rana‘s efficiency in Adelaide – the place he conceded 86 runs in 16 overs – Pujara has come to his protection. Rana had made a powerful debut in Perth with figures of three/48 and has proven promise along with his skill to generate bounce and tempo. Pujara argues that Rana deserves one other likelihood, particularly on the full of life Brisbane pitch, which may favour his bowling type. Retaining Rana could possibly be a strategic transfer for India as they goal to use the situations on the Gabba.
“He is an effective bowler. You can not drop him simply because one match went dangerous,” he added.
The Gabba: A fortress for Australia
The Gabba has traditionally been a difficult venue for visiting groups, with Australia boasting a powerful file there, notably earlier than Christmas. The pitch curator has indicated that this Take a look at will characteristic a standard Gabba wicket recognized for its tempo and bounce, which may pose difficulties for Indian batters if they don’t adapt rapidly. India’s final victory at this floor got here in January 2021 after they broke Australia’s long-standing unbeaten streak. The recollections of that match function each inspiration and strain as they put together for this significant encounter.
Pujara’s India XI for the threerd Take a look at
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Rohit Sharma (c), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washingtons Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana
