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Shubman Gill Out Of India's XI For MCG Test? Rohit Has 3 Reasons To Drop Star Batter

Debashis Sarangi∙ Updated: Dec 28 2024, 12:53 PM

Shubman Gill could be dropped for MCG Test [Source: AP]Shubman Gill could be dropped for MCG Test [Source: AP]

According to emerging reports, Indian captain Rohit Sharma is all set to replace KL Rahul in the opening slot for the upcoming fourth Test against Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground. The stylish Mumbaikar sacrificed his opening slot in the second and third Tests of the series after rejoining the team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. 

However, the move backfired on Rohit and his team, with the Indian skipper managing only 19 runs across three outings. Therefore, the veteran cricketer has apparently decided to return to his preferred position and open the batting with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the Boxing Day Test. 

If reports are to be believed, KL Rahul will likely be India's number three, with uncertainties looming over Shubman Gill's place in the playing XI. While fans and experts continue debating over India's potential playing combination, here are three reasons why India might drop Gill for this game. 

Shubman Gill's poor performance in SENA Tests

  • Hailed for his scintillating stroke play, Shubman Gill has been mediocre with the bat in SENA countries, managing only 481 runs at an average of 26.72. He has stuck only two fifties in 19 innings, signifying his ineffectiveness in these countries.
  • More importantly, Gill has let India down with his performances in this BGT, scoring only 60 runs at an average of 20. His prolonged rough patch in overseas Tests might prompt India to drop him for the Boxing Day Test. 

KL Rahul: A Technically Better Batter At 3

  • While Gill has found it tough to get going against Australia's new ball bowlers, particularly Scott Boland, KL Rahul has frustrated the hosts with his stoic technique. 
  • Despite opening the innings and facing the new ball, Rahul has emerged as India's most successful batter in the BGT 2024-25. So, considering the Karnataka batter is in sublime form and brings reliability to the table, India might not think twice before replacing Gill with him at number three. 

Nitish Reddy's Recent Batting Exploits

  • If Rohit opens the batting and KL Rahul follows him at number three, India will have to choose only one between Gill and Nitish Kumar Reddy to play as their number six. 
  • Nitish Reddy's performance in BGT 2024 has been nothing short of remarkable. He has been an asset for team India with bat and ball, scoring 179 runs and scalping wickets at crucial junctures. 
  • The Hyderabad-born cricketer has done nothing wrong to be dropped from the XI. Also, given that India might have to rotate their bowlers to save them from exhaustion under Melbourne's scorching heat, Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma will likely prefer Reddy's multi-dimensional skills over Gill's batting mastery.