Why Did India Replace Shubman Gill With Washington Sundar In 4th Test Vs Australia?

Shubman Gill in Indian Test jersey [Source: AP Photos]

The Border and Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is heating up. India and Australia are all set to take on each other in the 4th Test of the series at the iconic MCG in Melbourne, Australia. 

The series is currently level at 1-1 and lost is at stakes in this match. While the result of this game will put the winner in an advantageous position in the series, it will also strengthen their claim for a spot in the WTC final. 

At the toss for the match, Pat Cummins won the coin flip and opted to bat first. Both India and Australia have made one change to their side. Sam Konstas will be debuting for Australia, he has made his way into the playing XI in place of Nathan McSweeney. For India the only change is, Shubman Gill has been rested whil Washington Sundar have made his way into the side.

Now, the question might arise why India rested Shubman Gill for the 4th Test at the MCG? Let us try and analyse the reason behind Gill being rested - 

Why India Dropped Shubman Gill For The Boxing Day Test?

Gill's Current Form - Shubman Gill has struggled in the ongoing series in Australia. In the three innings that he has batted in, he has scored 60 runs at an avergae of 20. Besides the numbers, the top order Indian batter has struggled to get going and has not looked fluent with his technique in the series.

Horses For The Courses Approach - With Ravichandran Ashwin out of the fray, India might have looked for a spin bowling all-rounder to find the perfect balance in the side. The inclusion of Washington Sundar brings not only brings about variety in the bowling attack of the team but also adds depth the batting.

These two factors might have been in play behind Shubman Gill being dropped for the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia.

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