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Shubman Gill Doubtful For Perth Test; 3 Batters Who Can Replace Him In 1st Test Against Australia

Aashay Chopade

Shubman Gill is doubtful for opening Test (Source: @Crex_live/X.com)Shubman Gill is doubtful for opening Test (Source: @Crex_live/X.com)

In a major blow to team India, their star young batter Shubman Gill has reportedly injured his finger and is doubtful for the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth. The first Test is scheduled to start on 22nd of November and ahead of the big series, their are plenty of questions to be answered for the Indian team.

There is doubt over Rohit Sharma's participation as well, but with a baby now born, he is likely to take a flight for Australia soon. Considering that Rohit Sharma will play the first Test and Dhruv Jurel will be included in the playing XI after his recent good show for India, there are three options at India's disposal to replace Shubman Gill. Let's see who are those three players who might fit into the Indian team for the all-important Perth Test

KL Rahul

KL Rahul is the front-runner to take the number 3 spot if Shubman Gill misses out. He has the experience of batting at number 3 for India in the past and is naturally an opener. His average is poor in Australia, but he also has a century at SCG, and that experience of playing Down Under can help him on this tour.

Also, overall, KL Rahul has performed well in SENA countries in the last few years and in difficult conditions in Australia, he was one of India's shining light. So, expect him to fit in at number 3 for the 'West Test.'

Abhimanyu Easwaran

The Bengal batter is yet to make his debut for India, but with Gill likely to miss out, the team management might give him a go at number 3. He has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket for a long time now and has an average of close to 50, with 27 first-class hundreds.

So, he knows how to convert his starts into big scores in red-ball cricket and his hunger to show his worth at the international level might work in his favour during the Perth Test. He also played two unofficial Test matches against Australia A and so that experience might also help him get a nod for the opening Test.

Sarfaraz Khan

Sarfaraz Khan started off his career on a bright note against England and then followed it up with a brilliant 150 against New Zealand. However, he failed in the last two matches against New Zealand, and there the doubts have crept in regarding his proficiency to handle conditions in Australia. However, he played last three Test matches for India and the team management might back him to try him out first before jumping into any conclusions about his technique.

However, it is highly unlikely that he will bat at 3, and if he is included in the place of Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli might move one place up and Sarfaraz Khan could bat at number four.