The Indian cricket team suffered a heartbreaking defeat at Adelaide Oval in the pink-ball Test. Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins absolutely destroyed the Indian batting lineup, by restricting them to only 36 runs in the second innings.
The Australian batsmen chased down the target of 90 runs without breaking much sweat. With the Indian skipper Virat Kohli set to return home now, there will be a wholesale of changes in the playing XI.
ndia Today reported on Sunday (December 20) that Ajinkya Rahane will take over the reins of the team. Mohammed Shami, who has been ruled out of the ICC World Test Championship series because of an injury, will lose his place to Mohammed Siraj. It is pertinent to note that Siraj will play his maiden Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Besides, the wicket-keeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha will sit out of the playing XI as per the reports. Rishabh Pant, who has an ‘X-factor’ in his batting and scored a century in the pink-ball tour game, will replace Saha in the matchs squad.
KL Rahul will take Virat Kohli’s place in the XI. However, it is not confirmed by the sources whether Rahul would bat at number four or lower. Lastly, out-of-form opener Prithvi Shaw will sit on the bench after struggling against the Australian pacers.
A few fans and cricket experts believe Prithvi should receive another opportunity. However, the Indian team management has reportedly decided to axe him from the playing XI. Shubman Gill, who was quite impressive in the pink-ball tour game, will take Shaw’s place. So, there will be at least four changes in the Indian playing XI as per India Today’s reports.
India’s Likely XI: Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, KL Rahul, Ajinkya Rahane (C), Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav
The second ICC World Test Championship match between the Indian cricket team and Australia will begin this Saturday as the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
India would look to bounce back at MCG, but it will not be easy against the formidable hosts who have a 1-0 lead in the four-match Test series.
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