BGT 2024-25: Another player injured! What will be India’s batting lineup now?
Xtra Time Web Desk: India's batting lineup for the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Perth faces uncertainty following injuries to key players. Shubman Gill hurt his left hand while fielding in the slips during an intra-squad training match at the WACA on Saturday. He left the field immediately and did not return, raising questions about his availability for the Test starting November 22 at the Optus Stadium.
Gill, who has been slated to bat at No. 3, is also a potential opener alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, especially if captain Rohit Sharma misses the match due to personal commitments. Rohit welcomed his second child on Friday, but his availability for the series opener remains uncertain. Reports suggest Rohit had contemplated traveling to Australia to join the team before the birth but decided otherwise to prioritize family.
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According to a BCCI source privy to the development, Gill has indeed fractured his left thumb and with less than a week left for the Test to start, it will be near impossible for the stylish right-hander to get fit in time for the opening match.
A thumb fracture generally takes around 14 days to heal after which one is expected to start his regular net sessions. Since the second Test in Adelaide starts from December 6, there remains a possibility that he will get fit in time for that match.
Gill's absence could be massive for the national team as he is not only a stable number three batter but in case of Rohit's absence, he could be considered for opening the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal.
The other man in contention, Lokesh Rahul, has a bruised elbow after getting hit by a Prasidh Krishna short ball on the opening day of the intra-squad match and was forced to leave the field.
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Rahul's bruised area needed icing and he didn't take the field on the second day of the match simulation on Saturday although it is being seen more as a precautionary measure.
In case Gill is absent, Abhimanyu Easwaran could be in line for his Test debut as India do not have too many options left.
However, if skipper Rohit, who was blessed with a baby boy, decides to join forces with three days of training, then it would be a different story.
Mohammed Shami, who has bowled more than 43.2 overs, took seven wickets and scored 37 runs in Ranji Trophy, is certainly going to join the team before the second Test.
The last day of the match simulation will happen at the WACA on Sunday after which India A squad, barring reserve players, will be back to India and join their respective state teams for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
The main squad will then move to Optus Stadium in Perth where they will have three net sessions from Tuesday to Thursday before going into the Test starting Friday.
