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Xtra Time Web Desk: As India prepares for the all-important Boxing Day Test against Australia, their campaign for a historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy three-peat has hit a roadblock. Skipper Rohit Sharma sustained a left knee injury during a practice session on Sunday, December 22, after a ball sneaked through his pads during throwdowns. Rohit was seen in visible discomfort and left the nets early, later applying an ice pack to the injured area. With just four days to go for the Melbourne Test, his fitness is now a major concern.

India’s injury troubles don’t end there. KL Rahul, another crucial player, was struck on his right hand during a net session on Saturday. While the team’s physio attended to him immediately, the BCCI has not yet provided any official updates on either player’s condition, leaving fans anxious about the playing XI for the Boxing Day clash.

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The series stands delicately poised at 1-1, with India aiming to replicate their historic back-to-back Border-Gavaskar Trophy wins, first under Virat Kohli and then under Ajinkya Rahane. However, the mounting injuries threaten to derail their chances.

India’s recent record at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) offers some hope. Despite a historically poor record of just four wins in 14 matches at the venue, India has been unbeaten at the MCG since 2014, with two wins and one draw in their last three games. These recent performances provide a glimmer of optimism for the visitors as they look to overcome adversity and script another memorable series win Down Under.

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As the decisive phase of the series approaches, Indian fans will be hoping for swift recoveries for both Rohit and Rahul. With a challenging contest ahead, Team India’s ability to adapt and overcome these setbacks will be critical to keeping their Border-Gavaskar Trophy dreams alive.