4Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana have been handed their maiden Test caps as they make their debuts for Team India in the first match of the five-game Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Nitish, an all-rounder, and Harshit, a promising pacer, bring fresh energy to the squad. Their inclusion comes alongside a surprising decision to leave out senior all-rounders Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja from the playing XI. Instead, Washington Sundar has been picked as the lone spinner, adding depth to both the bowling attack and the lower-middle order. Sundar’s selection highlights the team’s intent to balance youth and experience in Australian conditions.
KL Rahul has been entrusted with opening the innings in the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma, who is missing the match after welcoming his second child with wife Ritika Sajdeh. Additionally, India is without Shubman Gill, who fractured his left thumb during a practice session while fielding at slips for India A in Perth. In Gill’s absence, Devdutt Padikkal has been drafted into the XI to bat at No. 3. Interestingly, Padikkal was not part of the initial squad but was retained in Australia following impressive performances for India A against Australia A.
The middle order sees another fresh face, with Dhruv Jurel earning a spot over Sarfaraz Khan. Jurel’s impactful knocks of 80 and 68 in the second unofficial Test against Australia A at the Melbourne Cricket Ground have propelled him into the Test side. This dynamic selection signals India’s commitment to rewarding form and readiness over reputation.o
