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No KL Rahul In India's Playing XI For 4th Test? 3 Players Who Can Replace Injured Opener

Anurag Dasgupta

KL Rahul suffered injury during practice session [Source: AP Photos] KL Rahul suffered injury during practice session [Source: AP Photos]

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Ahead of the Boxing Day Test match in Melbourne, the Indian side has suffered a massive jolt in the form of KL Rahul's injury. The star opener, who has been outstanding with the bat for the Indian team suffered a hand injury during the practice session.

The opener looked in some discomfort as he was getting the treatment from the team physio. The latest injury setback has ruined Team India's plan and there is doubt on KL Rahul's participation in the Boxing Day Test match.

If KL Rahul misses the 4th Test match, India will need to rejig their plans and there are 3 possible replacements for the injured batter.

3) Open with Rohit, play Jurel at 6

If KL Rahul misses out on the 4th Test, Rohit Sharma should come in at his usual position at the opening spot and India should bring in Dhruv Jurel at 6. The keeper-batter played the first Test match in Perth, but was dropped for the second and third Test match.

Rohit has a good track record at MCG, and should be the one to open the innings, and Jurel's calming presence will help the team in the middle-order.

2) It's Sarfaraz Khan time in Melbourne

Sarfaraz Khan, last featured for India during the 3-0 drubbing at the hands of the Kiwis. Since then, he hasn't played for Team India in this series. Of all the Australian pitches, MCG and SCG will suit his style of batting and he could play the aggressive role which Travis Head plays for India.

So, Rohit could open with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sarafaz Khan could slot in at number 6 in the batting position.

1) Play the punt on Abhimanyu Easwaran

The Bengal opener didn't have the best of outings during the two unofficial Tests, but he could be in line for a surprising Test debut, if Rohit decides to continue batting at number 5 in Tests. In that case, India would need a proper opener, and Abhimanyu Easwaran could be given the chance to showcase his skills.

However, with the series poised nicely, will Team India take this big risk of playing a debutant? Or will they go with Rohit at the top and a proper middle-order batter?.