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With the highly-anticipated five-match Test series set to commence in less than a week’s time, Team India has a lot to address in respective to their playing XI. However, Rohit Sharma is set to miss the opening Test along with Shubman Gill, their have been reports adding that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has requested Devdutt Padikkal to stay back.
The development comes just when Shubman Gill was confirmed to stay out of the first Test, which is scheduled to start from November 22 in Perth, after sustaining a fractured thumb during the match simulation sessions at WACA Stadium. Seeing these scenarios, the BCCI has requested Devdutt Padikkal to join the side.
Devdutt Padikkal likely to stay back in Australia
Devdutt Padikkal, who was touring Australia with India A for the two four-day unofficial matches, has been asked to stay back in Australia with the remaining team returning to the subcontinent on Monday, November 18. A source close to the developments informed TOI, “He is likely to bat at No. 3 spot now”.
The left-hander, who has been named in Karnataka’s squad for the Syed Mushtag Ali Trophy (SMAT), had a mixed outing during India A’s tour of Australia. He registered scored of 36, 88, 26 and 1 in the four innings. It is to be noted that Padikkal made his Test debut against England earlier this year in Dharamsala, scoring 65 runs.
If reports are to be believed, Sai Sudharsan could also be asked to stay back, however a clarity is still awaited. “It is more to do with the familiarity with the Australian conditions as they have played here recently,” a source told PTI.
KL Rahul likely to open with Yashasvi Jaiswal in Perth Test
Furthermore it has to be seen that with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill both unavialable, KL Rahul is likely to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, there were concerns around KL Rahul’s participation, but the Indian wicketkeeper-batter returned to the nets on Sunday, November 17.
The 32-year-old batted without any discomfort and participated in drills during the three-hour net session. Later, a BCCI source informed PTI, “He looks fine now, and the physio will continue to monitor him for the next few days to ensure that there is no discomfort.”
