Former India National Cricket Team head coach Ravi Shastri has made some striking revelations in his playing Xl as India gears up to face off against Australia in the first Test in Perth. The commentator-turned-coach recently made his India playing XI public just before the start of the much-anticipated Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. 

Ravi Shastri's predicted XI (in Rohit Sharma's absence): Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja/Washington Sundar, Nitish Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj.

Nitish Reddy set to make his red-bal debut for India

Shastri claims that pace-bowling all-rounder Nitish Reddy has every possibility of making his maiden Test appearance for India in the first BGT Test. As per Shastri, the aspiring all-rounder can be seen as a highly useful commodity and who can play a valuable supporting role along with three primary pacers Bumrah, Siraj & Akash Deep on pacey Australian decks. Moreover, the former India head coach holds a strong opinion on Nitish Reddy and feels that he can replicate a part of what Shardul managed to achieve in the earlier BGT Test series. 

"I think the three I would pick straight away is Aakash Deep, (Mohammed) Siraj, and Bumrah and then they (selectors) have to see the balance. Do they want two spinners? Do they want to risk going in with two spinners or do they want to take Nitesh Reddy? Nitesh Reddy will have to do a job like Shardul Thakur did as the fourth seamer."

Ravi Shastri further stressed including one spin bowling all-rounder in the form of Washington or Jadeja and refrain from the risk of fielding two frontline spinners.

Shastri throws light on bolstering India's batting department   

With Rohit's absence from the first Test becoming increasingly likely with every passing day, India needs an astute batter to support Jaiswal and Gill at the top. In order to facilitate this change, Shastri advises Gill to move down the order to number 3. The management will have to then take a bold call to either select KL Rahul or Abhimanyu Easwaran who have been originally drafted into the squad as designated openers. 

"That's a tough one and selectors have a choice. You can push Shubman (Gill) back up the order and he has opened in the past in Australia. Otherwise, you'll have to then make an alternative. Easwaran hasn't done that well (for India A in Australia). But it's how he's batting in the nets, how Rahul is batting in the nets. But that Shubman Gill option is also there."

Moreover, in Shastri's view, India's top-order wicket-keeper batter Dhruv Jurel can come in as a frontline batter who can be handy with his keeping skills. Although Pant has permanently sealed the spot of the wicket-keeper batsman, Jurel has demonstrated tremendous maturity with the bat in recent times.  

See also: Virat Kohli undergoes scan: Reports

India cricket team captain Rohit Sharma and his wife, Ritika Sajdeh, confirmed the birth of their second child in the form of a baby boy on Friday, November 15. Being parents to their daughter Sumaira who was born in 2018, the couple is yet to officially make this delightful news public to the fans. The couple had managed to keep Ritika’s pregnancy under secrecy for an extended period of time. 

The news only managed to break out when uncertainty surrounding Rohit's participation in the Perth Test began gaining traction. Rohit opted for a paternity break to celebrate the arrival of his baby boy on this auspicious moment. However, the name of the new baby boy is yet to be ascertained at this stage. As Rohit is expected to be away with his family on this momentous occasion, there are doubts about whether or not the Indian skipper will be ready in time to lead his side ahead of the first Test.

Rohit puts in the hard yards at the nets

Despite missing the training sessions in Australia due to the birth of his newborn child, Rohit remains committed to his game. While his entire brigade is away playing intra-squad matches in Australia, the 38-year-old was seen practicing tirelessly in the nets in Mumbai and looks more than determined to keep himself match-ready in case he gets a chance to make himself available for the all-important BGT Test series.

However, the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir in a recent press conference confessed that he is doubtful regarding Rohit's participation in the Perth Test but remains optimistic about his availability for the remainder of the Test series. But it has also come to light that Rohit may just be available on time for the first Test if things go according to play back home and BCCI is leaving no stone unturned to make the Indian skipper's availability a seamless affair. 

Rohit's poor Test run in recent times 

Being a genuine match-winner and a hero to the nation, the Indian skipper has come under immense fire following the conclusion of the Test series against the Black Caps at home which resulted in a shocking 0-3 whitewash. Not only did his poor captaincy skills come under the scanner, Rohit's inability to dominate spin and pace also came to the fore which has since raised alarm bells on his woeful form ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. 

In that series, Rohit averaged barely 16 and only managed to surpass fifty once in six innings. Moreover, the former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar also came hard on him in the aftermath of the New Zealand Test series advising him to give up the entire captaincy in case if he wished to remain unavailable for the series opener. If that were to happen, India's vice-captain, Jasprit Bumrah would take over the captaincy role in Rohit's absence.

Despite his poor run, Rohit's experience is surely invaluable in such hostile conditions and to not have him for the first Test could pose significant challenges to India who fighting hard to stay alive in the WTC final race.  But the joy of welcoming a new life takes precedence over national duties fans will be curious to see how the living Indian legend goes about balancing his family responsibilities with his cricketing commitments during this make-or-break Test series.

See also: Ritika Sajdeh salutes Aaron Finch's support for Rohit Sharma amidst criticism

The Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir has come under immense fire following his flop show in the recently concluded bilateral series against New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Since his appointment in early July, Gambhir has been dealing with absolute extremes. It started off with an impressive 3-0 T20I series win in Sri Lanka and a clean sweep against the Tigers at home across formats. 

Questions were raised after India managed to lose an ODI series against Sri Lanka for the first time in 27 years but the loss that perhaps hurts the most is India's humiliating test series defeat at home against a fairly inexperienced New Zealand side. Under his mentorship, India went on to attain a rare unwanted record of being whitewashed for the first time at home in a three-match bilateral series. 

The Rohit Sharma-led Indian side suffered a string of shocking defeats at Bangalore, Pune, and Mumbai as their batters severely faltered against facing spin in their own backyard. There was a growing sense of optimism when Gambhir assumed the coaching role for the Blues but all those talks have now gone for a toss as Gautam Gambhir faces a possible exclusion from his coaching duties if the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy does not go to plan. 

Gambhir's position under threat

According to a report published by Dainik Jagran, there are high chances of Gambhir being replaced by VVS Laxman should the team fail to deliver any possible results in Australia. This move can turn into a reality in the midst of the series as well. Gambhir's role will then be confined to India's white-ball assignments. It is not clear how Gambhir would react to such an unprecedented change but if the BGT series turns out to be closely contested, then the management will have a tough call to make on Gambhir's future as a head coach in the longest format. 

A galloping six-hour scrutiny for Gambhir

The unthinkable Test series sweep against the Kiwis at home is undoubtedly a tough spill to swallow for everyone at BCCI. The management is tightening their scores on Gambhir and is demanding some tough answers from him. As per PTI, Gambhir was reportedly interrogated for six hours straight in a meeting comprising chief selector Ajit Agarkar and India's ODI and Test skipper Rohit Sharma.

In this in-depth review meeting, Gambhir's decision to go with rank turners and rest Bumrah ahead of the crucial third Test and Gambhir's overall coaching style were all put under the scanner. Following such an infamous debacle, such an outcome was expected from the BCCI. The management would obviously like to ensure that the team gets back on track and would gets battle-ready just in time to face the mighty Aussies in the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy.  

See also: Details of 6 hours review meeting reveals after India's heartbreaking 0-3 defeat against NZ

The ongoing three-match unofficial Test series between India A and Australia A has been riddled with heightened ball tampering accusations. Its been so far a difficult tour for the visitors as India A had to cope with a lot of blame and criticism from the fans and the officials for their alleged involvement in ball tampering in the first unofficial Test at Mackay.

The Indian side were visibly upset after seeing the umpires change the ball against their wishes. Ishan Kishan came under the scanner for his heated exchange with the umpire Shawn Craig and called his decision to change the ball "stupid". In response, Craig replied by cautioning the wicket-keeper batter that he would be on the report the following day for his offensive remarks. 

Fortunately, Ishan Kishan was spared by Cricket Australia and the match officials for that match and no sanction was applied on him. However, this move was later criticized by former Aussie opener David Warner questioned the umpire's decision to change the ball. 

So what's all the fuss again with the ball?

In the second unofficial Test, India A players were once again caught in the eye of a storm for a rather less offensive ball-related incident in Melbourne. In this recent video, players could be seen having a chat with the umpires about a particular substance that was found on the ball. As per the commentators on air at that time, the substance that could have been on the ball may have been mud or some sort of an artificial substance like white paint. 

pic.twitter.com/kVMQYjAC0K

— A (@cricketvf) November 8, 2024

Nevertheless, the exchange was by no means a welcoming one as India A pacer Prasidh Krishna was seen visibly disturbed when he was asked to remove the mud under the supervision of the umpire. 

Where does the match stand?

Australia A bowlers have once again managed to get the better of the India A batters in the second Test. Australia A managed to secure a valuable 62-run lead, courtesy of a fighting 74 from the opener Marcus Harris. Meanwhile, KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran failed to deliver with the bat yet again as India A were reduced to 73/5 at the end of day two's play in the second four-day game against Australia A on Friday.  

See also: Former Australian wicketkeeper accused India A of ball tampering

Down on fitness and form, the Thane-born cricket Prithwi Shaw is experiencing one of the worst lows in his professional cricketing career. Seen and adored as someone who could fill in the shoes of the great Sachin Tendulkar, Shaw has lost his legacy as a specialist batsman and has faded away from the international area due to his poor form.

Shaw has had to deal with multiple exclusions off late. Shaw was last seen in Indian colors in July 2021 and has since then been left out of the Indian squad. Moreover, the 24-year-old has also been axed from his local Ranji team Mumbai along fitness and disciplinary lines.    

Greg Chappell offers some words of encouragement to the youngster 

In the face of acute adversary, former Australia player and coach Greg Chappell comes out in support of the talented youngster. In an open letter, Chappell advised Shaw to keep his spirits high in these testing times. 

Furthermore, Chappell stressed on the positive aspect of getting dropped. The Aussie legend went on to quote examples of himself and Don Bradman and how they were dropped in multiple phases of their career which helped them come back stronger.

"Hi Prithvi, I understand you’re facing a challenging time right now, being out of the Mumbai team. It’s natural to feel frustrated and perhaps a bit uncertain, but I want you to know that these moments are often the turning points for athletes, helping to shape both their careers and their character. Remember, setbacks are a part of every great athlete’s story. Even legends like Don Bradman experienced being dropped and having to fight their way back. What made them great was not avoiding challenges, but how they responded to them."

Chappell's own perspective on Shaw

Chappell has been observing Shaw since his U-19 playing days. Under Shaw's leadership, India went on to win the 2018 U-19 World Cup and on the back of some impressive performances in that tournament, Shaw was selected to make his Test debut against West Indies that year. Chappell urges the youngster to delve deep into self-introspection and not try to back away from facing challenges. The Aussie legend himself faced numerous setbacks in his playing days but learned to take corrective measures to rectify the shortcomings. He expects Shaw to review every aspect of his game and work on his attitude and resilience. 

See also: Michael Neser likely to miss Perth Test; Here is why

Josh Inglis will assume the captaincy role following the conclusion of the second ODI at Adelaide and will lead the Men in Yellow in the third ODI as well as the forthcoming T20I series against Pakistan which is expected to commence on November 14. He will lead the side in the absence of premium stalwarts such as Mitch Marsh and Travis Head who are both unavailable due to paternity leave and Test preparation. 

In addition, Australia's Test and ODI skipper Pat Cummins and vice-captain Steve Smith will also not be available to feature for the remainder of the series in order to prepare for the grueling Border Gavaskar Test series. 

Inglis to lead a whole new-look Australia squad 

Following his captaincy appointment, Inglis becomes the 14th T20I captain and the 30th ODI captain to lead Australia. He will have his work cut out as his side will be without the services of experienced Cummins, Smith, Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Marnus Labuschagne, all of whom will be away to prepare for the much-awaited Border Gavaskar Test series. 

The squad will feature some fresh faces in the form of Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, and Josh Philippe who have made limited yet impactful international appearances for Australia in recent times. Moreover, Lance Morris has also been included as a cover for Josh Hazlewood and is likely to feature in the last ODI of the three-match series. 

Dissecting Inglis' captaincy background

Unlike his teammates Matt Short, Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa, and Nathan Ellis, Inglis does not have any credible captaincy experience under his belt. The 29-year-old does not have any captaincy experience at the BBL level unlike some of his fellow teammates. But the flamboyant wicket-keeper batter is widely renowned for his leadership qualities and his tactical instinct at the domestic level.  

Inglis served as the vice-captain for the Perth Scorchers during the previous season and played a significant role within their leadership team. He was a leading candidate to assume the captaincy following Ashton Turner's season-ending injury. However, Aaron Hardie was ultimately selected for the position. This decision was primarily influenced by a preference to avoid appointing a wicketkeeper as captain, particularly given the time constraints faced by the younger bowlers.

In the ongoing three-match ODI series, Australia have taken an early 1-0 lead following a nervy win at the MCG. The hosts will once again lock horns with the visitors in the second ODI at Adelaide where they will look to wrap up the series in one of the most clinical ways possible. 

See also: ICC WTC 2023-25: A saga of strange wins and shocking defeats

Things haven't gone according to plan for Rohit Sharma & Co. as India unexpectadly crashed out against the Kiwis in the three-match Test series and were severly jolted to its core. The devastating series defeat has caused a crisis like situation to develop in the Indian camp. As the nation and it's fans try to come in terms with the ongoing situation, all eyes will be on Rohit and how he pulls his side out of misery as they prepare to face the battle-hardened Australians in the upcoming BGT tour down under.

With the WTC qualification chances also in jeopardy, there are moutning concerns than hopes as to how India can get their campaign back on track in this ongoing WTC cycle. Despite enduring such diificulties, former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan has utmost belief in Rohit's ability to lead the Indian side to glory in the fourthcoming BGT tour.     

Dhawan's special relationship with Rohit and why he remains hopeful

Rohit and Dhawan both have a fair share of extraordinary batting memories. The duo formed one of the most deadliest opening pairs in Indian cricket history. Dhawan vividly remembers the partnership he had with Rohit in one of the league matches of the 2013 Champions Trophy edition against South Africa. Dhawan went on to smash a century in that match on a challenging seaming wicket and Rohit too played his role of a pinch-hitter at the top shamshing eight fours and one six. That partnership helped India set the tone for a gigantic first innings total and as a result, India emerged victorious in that game by a decisive margin of 26 runs.  

Dhawan has observed Rohit a lot closely during his playing days and he remains fully optimistic of his true capabilities. The retired Indian batter believes that the Indian skipper will come good and peak just when his side requires him to deliver the much needed goods. India have previously triumphed in the earlier two BGT editions in Australia. Virat was the first Indian captain to lead India to their first-ever Test series win on Aussie soil in 2018-19 while India, under Rahane's leadership went on to win the 2020-21 series by 2-1. Now it is time for Rohit Sharma and team to register the third consecetive BGT series win on the trot. 

The troubles for the Indian team have already begun even before the start of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Controversy erupted when match officials made the decision to change the ball before the start of the play on Sunday in the first unofficial Test. India A players were informed that the ball was changed since the umpires felt that the ball was tampered at some point in the match.  

Umpire Shawn Craig is the man who brought this development to the team’s attention. Understandably so, the decision was not well received by the India A players and they soon began protesting the on-field umpire’s decision. 

Heated conversation between Kishan and the on-field umpires

Once the decision regarding ball change was made, Umpire Craig replied firmly to the Indian players stating that once the ball is scratched it ought to be changed and refrained from getting into further discussion. India A wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan was livid by that call and called it a stupid decision. 

India A accused of Ball Tampering.

Shawn Craig - "When you scratch it, we change the ball. No more discussion, let's play. This is not a discussion."

Ishan Kishan - "So we have to play with this ball?"

S Craig - "You're playing with that ball."

I Kishan - "That's a very… pic.twitter.com/iKDoH0ZVDf

— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) November 3, 2024

Such remarks were not welcomed by the on-field umpire and Kishan was later informed that he will be reported for the same. Surprisingly enough, the officials did not offer any explanation on how the ball was tampered and did not offer a 5-run penalty to Australia A.

See Also: Shai Hope shines in West Indies captain achievements with a century

Players implicated in the ball tampering incident may face suspensions if it is determined that the team deliberately altered the condition of the ball, as outlined in Cricket Australia's code of conduct. However, Kishan ended up on the fortunate side and was spared by the governing body despite his rash remarks against the on-field umpires.

The Indian fast-bowling sensation Mohammed Shami fails to make the cut and is all set to be omitted from the upcoming Border Gavaskar trophy scheduled to commence in November later this year. The 34-year-old has not regained his full fitness following his ankle surgery which took place earlier this year in February. Shami, who last featured for India in the ODI World Cup final in 2023 has been absent from professional cricket since. The speedster is tirelessly putting in the hard yards and is working day and night to get "match-ready" to pursue international duties for India.

In order to get back to the red-ball arena, Shami has to prove his fitness and deliver some formidable performances in the ongoing Ranji season for his side Bengal. Shami was reportedly spotted bowling with a strapped knee in the nets in Bengaluru under bowling coach Morne Morkel's supervision.  As per reports, there is still a slim window of opportunity for him to make it into the 18-member squad subject to his fitness at the time of the tour. 

How will Shami's absence hurt India's chances of succeeding in the forthcoming BGT Trophy? 

Shami's hostile outlook makes him a lethal pace bowler and a force to reckon with for the opposition. The all-format specialist seamer has delivered countless fiery spells for the country on the biggest of the stages, mostly in winning causes. It goes without saying that his absence will not only hurt but also cost India a spot in the WTC final. India are still reeling after suffering a devasting Test series loss at the hands of the Black Caps and Shami could have been someone who could have pulled India out of their misery. 

Shami has an appreciable record on Australian soil. He has bagged 31 wickets in eight Tests at a decent average of 32.16 which also includes his best figures of 6-56. Moreover, the speedster also has a proven track record in the WTC history and has claimed a staggering 85 wickets from 24 Tests. 

His absence from the squad will now leave the rookie Indian pace attack exposed to difficult conditions down under in Australia. Shami's demonstrated experience could have been more than handy in such conditions but now the BCCI will have to rely on the young brigade featuring the likes of Prasidh Krishna, Harshith Rana, and Nitish Kumar Reddy to deliver the goods. The series loss of 0-2 against New Zealand has complicated India's WTC qualification scenario and they are now presented with an uphill task of winning four out of their last six fixtures, five of which would be against the star-studded Australian team.