Rohit Sharma to Open; Shubman Gill Dropped

 India are currently locked at 1-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy following a tense, rain-affected draw in the third Test of the series. With the stage now set for the much-anticipated Boxing Day Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the Indian team will look to seize the lead in the series and keep their hopes alive for direct qualification to the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final. To achieve this, the team is likely to make a few key changes, including alterations in the batting lineup and adjustments to the all-rounder slots.

Rohit Sharma to Open; Shubman Gill Dropped

Reports suggest that Rohit Sharma will return to his preferred position as an opener for the fourth Test. Since his comeback to the squad in the second Test, Rohit has batted at No. 6, struggling to find consistency. He is expected to replace KL Rahul at the top of the order, despite Rahul’s excellent form throughout the series.

In a tactical reshuffle, KL Rahul will move down to No. 3, replacing Shubman Gill, who is likely to be dropped after failing to deliver impactful performances in the series so far. Dhruv Jurel is expected to take Gill’s place in the lineup and bat at No. 6. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant will retain their usual spots at No. 4 and No. 5, respectively, providing stability to the middle order.

Washington Sundar In; Nitish Kumar Reddy Out

India is also expected to tweak its all-rounder options in response to the pitch conditions at Melbourne. Washington Sundar is likely to make a comeback, replacing Nitish Kumar Reddy. Although Reddy has shown promising form in the series, the inclusion of Sundar will allow India to go with two spinners, a combination that could prove crucial at the MCG. Ravindra Jadeja will continue in the playing XI following his remarkable batting performance in the third Test.

Unchanged Bowling Attack

India is expected to stick with its pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep, who have delivered impressive performances so far. The unchanged pace attack, combined with the spin options of Jadeja and Sundar, will provide India with a balanced bowling lineup to take on the Aussies in the crucial fourth Test.

India’s Likely Playing XI for the Boxing Day Test vs Australia:

1. Rohit Sharma (c)
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal
3. KL Rahul
4. Virat Kohli
5. Rishabh Pant (wk)
6. Dhruv Jurel
7. Ravindra Jadeja
8. Washington Sundar
9. Akash Deep
10. Jasprit Bumrah
11. Mohammed Siraj

With the series delicately poised, all eyes will be on the Indian team as they aim to bounce back and take control of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the high-stakes Boxing Day Test at the MCG.