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Harshit Rana And...? Rohit Sharma Likely To Drop These India Players For 3rd Test vs Australia

Debashis Sarangi

Rohit Sharma's India might drop Harshit for 3rd Test [Source: AP]Rohit Sharma's India might drop Harshit for 3rd Test [Source: AP]

After securing a clinical 295-run win in the first Test at Perth Stadium, India had a torrid time in Adelaide, as the hosts bounced back in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with an emphatic ten-wicket victory. India's batting failure was a major reason behind their abysmal performance in the pink ball Test, with the visiting side failing to breach the 200-run mark on two consecutive attempts. 

However, given that India's two senior players- Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma- emerged as their biggest disappointments, the Men in Blue might not tinker with their batting combination. Although questions have also been raised over Nitish Reddy's bowling ability, India won't likely bench the youngster, as he has looked sublime with the bat amid the shambles. 

In such a scenario, there could be two changes to the Indian lineup, with Ravichandran Ashwin and Harshit Rana likely to lose their spot in the playing XI. 

Ravichandran Ashwin

Why Will India Replace Ashwin With Washington Sundar?

  • Washington Sundar has been excellent with the ball since his comeback, scalping 18 Test wickets in just six innings. Besides providing India with crucial breakthroughs, Sundar can be a handy contributor with the bat lower down the order. 
  • On the other hand, Ravichandran Ashwin seemed ineffective with the ball in Adelaide, despite India preferring him over Sundar due to his impressive record in pink-ball Tests. The veteran spinner could bag only a single wicket at a horrible strike rate of 108, raising questions over his place in the side. 
  • Furthermore, Washington Sundar's ability to generate overspin makes him a better candidate for the spinner's role in Brisbane. Therefore, in all likelihood, the promising all-rounder will replace Ashwin in India's playing XI for this game. 

Harshit Rana

Why Will India Drop Harshit Rana?

  • Harshit Rana impressed everyone with his wicket-taking ability in the Perth Test, bagging four wickets across both innings. However, he was exposed in the day-night game in Adelaide, with the Australian batters hammering him to all parts of the ground. 
  • Statistically, Rana conceded 86 runs in 16 overs, frustrating India with his inconsistent line and length. Although he created a few chances, the fast bowler's miserable economy earned Australia a sizeable first-innings lead. 
  • Although he can hit the deck hard, Harshit's lack of control might force India to replace him with a more accurate bowler like Akash Deep or Mukesh Kumar, who can capitalise on the Gabba's seam-friendly conditions. India already have Jasprit Bumrah for hard-length bowling, so it will be a sensible move if they trust Mukesh or Akash's control over Harshit's extra pace.