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On Thursday, January 2, concerns mounted on Team India’s worries after crushing defeat against Australia in the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test 2024-25 in Melbourne. After suffering a 184-run defeat in MCG Test earlier this week, the Indian cricket team have encountered another blow as they will miss the services of Indian pacer Akash Deep.
Speaking on the eve of the fifth and final Test of the BGT series, Head Coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that Akash Deep will be unavailable for selection due to a back injury. This comes as a blow with the Indian team struggling to get into the game, suffering back-to-back losses in the series against Australia.
Akash Deep ruled out of fifth BGT Test against Australia
The Indian pacer has claimed five wickets in the two Tests he has featured in Brisbane and Melbourne, where he has bowled around 87.5 overs. Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Sydney on Thursday, Gambhir confirmed, "Akash Deep is out because he got a back issue. That's the only injury concern.” It is being reported that the injury could be attributed to the heavier than ususal workload he has been endured to.
In Akash Deep’s absence, either of Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna are expected to replace him in the XI. Moreover, when asked about India’s team combination in the final Test of the series, Head Coach Gautam Gambhir maintained that the decision will be taken on match day after assessing the pitch conditions. “We will look at the wicket and announce the playing XI tomorrow,” he said.
On the other hand, Australia announced their Playing XI for the Sydney Test. Skipper Pat Cummins confirmed a bold change in the side with Beau Webster replacing Mitchell Marsh after the latter has failed to perform with the bat as well as the ball in the four Test. Moreover, veteran pacer Mitchell Starc, despite a rib and back issue, has been declared fit to play the final Test.
India’s squad for BGT 2024-25
Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Jadeja, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar.
Reserves: Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed
