The tension of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is at its peak as the five-match Test series between the hosts Australia and the visitors India is currently at 1-1 with three Tests to be played yet. The Brisbane Cricket Ground at Woolloongabba in Brisbane, the venue popularly known as The Gabba, will host the third Test of the series. 

Perth Stadium hosted the Test series opener, where India won by 295 runs. Meanwhile, the Adelaide Oval hosted the second Test, which was the only day-night pink-ball Test match of the series, Australia won by 10 wickets. 

Talking about the Indian squad for the upcoming Gabba Test, there is big news waiting on Mohammed Shami. If everything goes well, the 34-year-old Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami can travel to Australia for the Test series. To see him in the third Test, Shami’s no more delayed presence in the Indian team is vital, as the journey, adjusting to the different conditions, and proper practice really matters.   

Here, we will see India’s probable XI for the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. 

Top-order batters

Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are likely to continue their opening partnership for the third Test. While Jaiswal scored ducks in the first innings of the first two Tests, he scored a game-changing 161 runs and an impressive 24 runs in the second innings of the first and second Tests, respectively. On the other hand, opener Rahul’s scores in this Test series are 26, 77, 37, and 7 runs. 

Shubman Gill returned for the second Test after recovering from the injuries. He scored 31 and 28 runs, where he showcased his classy shots. Just like Rahul, Gill also needs to utilise their good starts.

Middle-order batters

Former Indian captain Virat Kohli scored a crucial 100 not out during the third innings of the Perth Test. However, the right-handed batter’s other scores in the series are 5, 7, and 11 runs. Kohli is struggling to handle the fourth-stump line deliveries, which are becoming more challenging for him after carrying extra bounce. 

The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is confident in the no.5 batting position. While he can also play in the late batting order, he needs good support from the other end, which will become more dangerous for the opponents. 

Captain Rohit Sharma can bat at no.5 or no.6 according to the game situation. After missing the first Test due to parental leave, he was dismissed cheaply (6 and 3 runs) in the second Test. 

Pace-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has highly impressed with the bat in this Test series by scoring 30 or more runs in all four innings (41, 38*, 42, 42). His stats become more impressive by scoring the runs majorly without support from the other end. After experiencing his batting performances, we are confused about whether it is his first Test series or not. 

Spinner(s)

Ravichandran Ashwin bowled really well with the pink ball during the second Test at Adelaide Oval. However, as the Gabba is hardly known for the spinners, India may prefer to go with Washington Sundar for the upcoming Test match to make the batting order deeper. However, the experienced Ashwin or Ravindra Jadeja can play a similar role to Sundar. Here, we are picking Sundar at the present moment.   

However, due to the Test at Gabba, Rohit Sharma-led India can also go with four genuine pace bowlers by resting the only spinner.

Pacer(s)

Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will definitely serve as the main pacers. India are desperate for Mohammed Shami, whose presence will massively help the Indian pace-bowling line-up by sharing the workload. Also, Shami is highly suitable for the fast pitch like Gabba. 

In the case of Shami’s absence, Harshit Rana can continue his spot. Rana has impressed in both Test matches, and there is more room for improvement. In the case of four pacers, Rana will surely play, and Akash Deep can get an opportunity in the absence of Shami. 

India’s probable XI: Yashsavi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Rohit Sharma (Captain), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Shami/Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj. 

Possible out(s): Ravichandran Ashwin, Harshit Rana

Possible in(s): Washington Sundar, Mohammed Shami (subject to availability)