‘Can’t See Them Going With Just Two Pacers &…’: Gavaskar Says India ‘Can’t Drop’ This Youngster – News18

Last Updated:December 25, 2024, 20:12 IST

The Boxing Day Test may see India opting for an extra spinner in Sundar who replace fast-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. However, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has strongly opposes the idea.

Team India gears up for the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Melbourne, starting Thursday in Melbourne. The series is 1-1 poised and in order to make a strong comeback, India are looking to make some major changes to their playing XI. Several media reports have suggested that captain Rohit Sharma would return to open the batting while KL Rahul would step out at number 3, replacing a struggling Shubman Gill.

Another change that has been talked about is the inclusion return of Washington Sundar. The Boxing Day Test may see India opting for an extra spinner in Sundar who replace fast-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.

However, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has strongly opposes the idea of benching Reddy.

“They can’t drop Nitish Kumar Reddy. He is the fourth seamer. I can’t see India going in with just two pacers and Nitish. For me, it is pretty much this XI that plays in Melbourne,” Gavaskar told Star Sports.

Reddy, despite being a reliable batter in the lower order, has struggled to make an impact with the ball in the series. However, Gavaskar believes his ability to provide crucial breakthroughs and his contributions with the bat make him indispensable to the team’s balance.

At the same time, India’s pace bowling lineup has also been a subject of debate. Akash Deep, whose heroics with the bat helped India avoid the follow-on at the Gabba, is likely to retain his spot. Gavaskar dismissed the idea of replacing him with Harshit Rana, stating, “Unlikely that Harshit will replace Akash Deep. Why would you drop a man who has saved your team from follow-on?”

While addressing the press conference on Tuesday, Rohit refused to confirm whether he will continue in the middle order or be back to open at MCG.

“Let’s not worry about who bats where. Something that we need to figure and not something I would be discussing here. We will do what is best for the team,” he told reporters during a media interaction on Tuesday.

Location :

Melbourne, Australia