IND vs AUS BGT 2024 1st Test: 3 Players to Debut in the Absence Of Rohit, Gill, Shami

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 is all set to begin on 22nd November 2024. Team India reached Australia 10 days prior and has started their preparation for the upcoming series. Undefeated in the last four Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, India will look to make it five in a row and their last series to keep their hopes alive for the upcoming WTC 2025 Final but at present, the odds are stacked against them. The team is going through a lean patch and sort of transition. However, the players are confident enough to seal the series.

The first test match is scheduled to take place at Perth Stadium, known for its bouncy and pacey wicket. The match will officially start at 7:50 AM IST and will be telecasted on Star Sports and Hotstar.

Team India will be missing three of their main players Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Mohammad Shami. These three have been vital to the team’s recent success. Rohit hasn’t traveled to Australia for the first test match due to the birth of his child. India will miss their captain and senior team member. However, his absence will open the gate of opportunity for a few players. 

Shubman Gill, India’s new number 3, is likely to be out of the first test match due to a fractured thumb. He seems to have picked up an injury during the practice session and will be available for the selection for the second test. India will miss the service of Gill in the first test match.

Mohammad Shami, one of the finest bowlers, has been out of the team for over a year due to the injury. As per the reports, Shami has been asked to play a few domestic matches before boarding the flight to Australia. Shami, in his comeback match for Bengal, performed brilliantly, picking up 7 wickets. India will miss Shami for starting a few test matches.

However, the absence of these players will be an opportunity for the other players to make a name for themselves.

Players who could feature in the playing 11 in the BGT 2024 1st test match:

Abhimanyu Easwaram

One of the finest batters in the domestic circuit, Easwaram has been constantly performing in the domestic circuit. His ability to score tons and adjust to the condition makes him a great prospect for the team. Easwaram has proven his skills whenever the team needed him the most. Centuries in the Ranji, the Duleep Trophy, and lots of hard work finally opened the gates of opportunities for him. In the absence of Rohit, Easwaram is the perfect player to open the innings considering the amount of experience he has over the years. Primarily a test batter, his ground shots and understanding of the situation make him a good combination of attacking and mature player. 

Nitish Reddy

Fast-tracked into the team for his IPL performances, Nitish Reddy would look forward to making the moment count. An ideal replacement for Gill, Reddy’s batting at the lower order will strengthen the team’s batting. His bowling would also prove vital for the team to achieve success. He can bowl at 130+ kmph and trouble the batters with his variations. India lacks a genuine fast-bowling all-rounder in the middle and lower order, for which Reddy can fulfill the duty. The practice match gave a glimpse of his potential with the ball and is likely to feature him in the playing 11.

A player like Nitish Reddy enhances the stability of the team, where management also gets the free hand to experiment in other departments.

Harshit Rana

Backed heavily by the management and a gun-fast bowler, Harshit Rana earned his maiden call-up to the national team due to his domestic and IPL performances. Able enough to bowl long spells and with sheer pace and accuracy, Harshit Rana is most likely to be the 3rd pace bowler of the team. His aggressive approach and passion for the game make him a competitive guy and India will love to have such character in the team to go against the Aussies.

The three players mentioned above are likely to feature in the playing 11, and the management would want great performances from them.