With less than 72 hours to go for the Border Gavaskar Trophy what perhaps could be the greatest clash between the two giants of world cricket with the series commencing on November 22 starting from Perth. The Indian team suffered another setback as Shubman Gill sustained a left thumb injury while fielding in the slips.
Australia enters the five-match test series with minimal concerns within the squad ahead of the first test. On the Other Hand, the Visitors- Team India have faced several setbacks, with experienced pacer Mohammed Shami not included in the squad as the team chose not to rush his return. Skipper Rohit Sharma will miss the first test due to personal reasons added to India’s opening challenges, now with injury concerns revolving around India’s number 3 Shubhman Gill who was fielding in the slips during a Match Simulation on November 15, Saturday. With these limitations, India will face a challenge in setting up their batting order.
Following Gill’s Injury, the Right-handed batter was ruled out of the Perth Test & his running against Clock for the second Pink ball test in Adelaide. With one more Injury setback, The Indian team will be in search of a reliable option for the number three spot. In this article, we will go through the potential options for replacing Shubman Gill in the first test.
TOP 3 CONTENDERS who could replace injured Shubman Gill
1) Devdutt Padikkal
The Indian team had decided to keep Devdutt Padikkal with the team as a backup option ahead of the five-match test series against Australia. The left-handed batter was with the India A team before being asked to be with the senior team. Devdutt Padikkal earlier this year had made his test debut against England scoring 65 on his debut innings. In the four innings against Australia A, Devdutt scored 151 runs combined in four innings & could potentially be the frontrunner for the number three spot.
2) KL Rahul
Indian Coach Gautam Gambhir mentioned in the press conference that Rahul’s ability to bat at different options makes him a versatile option. Considering Abhimanyu Easwaran opening the innings, Rahul makes it a perfect fit for the number three spot ahead of the first test. Though Rahul hasn’t enjoyed batting at that spot he has batted on five occasions scoring 88 runs with an inexperienced batting lineup, the Bengaluru batter becomes a reliable option in that case.
3) Dhruv Jurel
One of the batters who looked completely in control in the unofficial test against Australia A, young Dhrub Jurel could fill up that spot in the absence of Shuman Gill. The wicket-keeper batter featured in the second official test but stood tall with scores of 80 & 68. Though Jurel provides a wicket-keeping option, the right-handed batter could purely play as a batter in the top order. With excellent technique and the ability to handle difficult situations, Dhruv Jurel could be the solution to India’s woes.