There is a lot of speculation about the changes in India’s playing XI for the must-win Boxing Day Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, which begins on December 26 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne.
Like the teams gearing up for the crucial fourth Test in Melbourne, the Indian cricket team is facing a significant selection dilemma regarding its roster, especially due to Ravichandran Ashwin’s unexpected retirement from international cricket after the drawn Gabba Test.
With the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 tied at 1-1, changes in the Indian XI are definitely expected, and it is even rumored that young fast bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy could be left out of the squad to bring in second-round all-rounder Washington Sundar.
Sunil Gavaskar backs Nitish Kumar Reddy to retain place for Boxing Day Test
Media reports claimed that Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar would both play in the Boxing Day Test; thus, Nitish Kumar Reddy will have to make way for the Tamil Nadu star, but legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar feels that it would be a big mistake if the team management accepts this call.
The former Indian captain strongly believes that Nitish Kumar Reddy should be part of India’s playing XI for the Boxing Day Test against Australia. Gavaskar feels that Reddy, as the fourth seamer, is crucial to the balance of the Indian cricket team and cannot be left out of the XI.
The legendary Indian batter also pointed out that India cannot afford to play in the must-win Test match of the ongoing five Test matches. series with just two leaders, predicting the Gabba Test line-up should remain unchanged for the Melbourne encounter.
They can’t let Nitish Kumar Reddy down: Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar said on Star Sports ahead of the fourth Test at the MCG: “They can’t let Nitish Kumar Reddy down. He is the fourth designer. I don’t see India going in with just two pacers and Nitish. For me, it’s pretty much this XI that plays in Melbourne.
Meanwhile, Sunil Gavaskar also rejected the idea of ​​replacing Deep Akash with Harshit Rana for the crucial fourth Test against Australia at the MCG.
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However, Akash Deep’s bowling in Brisbane was unremarkable, with figures of 3/123, but his 31 runs from 44 balls at No. 11 were crucial in helping India avoid the follow-on and make draw against Australia in the third test. at the Gabba.
Harshit Rana unlikely to replace Akash Deep: Sunil Gavaskar
The legendary batter feels that Harshit Rana is unlikely to replace Akash Deep, especially after the pacer played a key role in the follow-up. He thought that dropping Akash would make no sense. Gavaskar concluded by saying, “Harshit is unlikely to replace Akash Deep. Why would you let go of a man who saved your team from pursuit?
Moreover, the Indian team is also considering a change in the top spot for the upcoming Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Rohit Sharma could return to opener and KL Rahul could move to No. 3, with Shubman Gill facing the axe, after struggling with the bat Down Under.
