Why Has Rohit Sharma Dropped Harshit Rana And Ashwin From India vs Australia 3rd Test?

Harshit and Ashwin have been dropped for 3rd Test [Source: AP]

In a significant development, India have won the toss and opted to bowl first in the third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Brisbane Cricket Ground. During the toss, Indian captain Rohit Sharma reckoned that India would bowl first and try to capitalise on the playing conditions upfront. Meanwhile, the visitors have made two significant changes to their playing XI, replacing Harshit Rana and Ravichandran Ashwin with Akash Deep and Ravindra Jadeja, respectively. 

Why Have India Dropped Harshit Rana and R Ashwin?

Renowned for his aggressive attitude and hit-the-deck bowling, Harshit Rana had an impressive start to the BGT, performing exceedingly in the first Test at Perth Stadium. However, the bowler looked a pale shadow of himself in the pink ball game at Adelaide Oval, going wicketless for 86 runs in his 16-over spell. 

Thus, as Harshit seemed to be lacking control and the Aussies capitalised on his poor line and length, India have replaced him with Akash Deep, who can be handy in Brisbane's seam-friendly conditions due to his nagging accuracy. 

On a similar note, R Ashwin didn't have a great game with the ball in Adelaide, as the Australian batters tackled him comfortably in the day-night Test. Thus, his poor recent bowling form prompted India to replace him with Ravindra Jadeja, who could also be a valuable asset for them in the lower middle order. 

India's playing XI for 3rd Test vs Australia

Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Lokesh Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep

---

ALSO READ

Rohit Sharma Brings In Jadeja And X-Factor Back In Playing XI As India Set To Bowl At Gabba

---