It is understood that young Shubman gillAfter a couple of impressive blows in prep games, he is seen as a replacement for Shaw, as senior star Rohit Sharma will not be available until the third Test match in Sydney.
Since Saha’s hitting doesn’t give the locker room confidence, team management will certainly look to Pant, who had scored a hundred points in Down Under during his previous tour, as upkeep might not be a factor in pitching firmly and. even bounce.
KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj are the other two on the beam to enter Game XI and those would be forced changes due to the absence of patron Virat Kohli and senior pacemaker, Mohammed Shami, who is out with a fractured wrist.
The 36-year-old Saha could be racing the last lap of his international career, as the young and fighter Pant will be preferred by the team’s leadership for the next three test matches and, if he does well, against England as well.
As for Saha, his inept hitting in the SENA countries has not gone unnoticed (he has not had half a century there), but former selector chairman MSK Prasad said that during his regime, certain plans were realized in Saha’s enigma. -Pant.
“Look, our committee was clear that Rishabh pants He will be our first choice goalkeeper in places like England and Australia. Only when we are watching games in India, where you don’t need to hit after number six most of the time, can you have a specialized goalkeeper, “Prasad told PTI on Sunday.
“I think Rishabh has worked on her fitness issues for the past month and was in good contact during the pink ball practice game. So I would agree with team management if they give Rishabh a chance to the next three tests, “Prasad said. .
Shaw might have to go back to the drawing board
As for Shaw, everything that can go wrong has gone wrong for Mumbaikar, 21, whose technique, temperament and general attitude towards the game have raised serious questions in the corridors of Indian cricket.
If the sources knowing things are to be believed, despite his drop in form, Shaw was preferred over a fit Gill because he had played in the last series in New Zealand and needed to be given at least one more game.
Since you’ve wasted your chances, it’s time for you to cool down before heading back to the drawing board.
Not only have the teams fixed their flawed technique, but their fielding has been below par since the time of the IPL, as they have been slow in the outfield or have failed assistants such as that offered by Marnus Labuschagne, who gave him it cost his team an additional 30 runs.
Bringing Hanuma Vihari to order
The leadership of the Indian team could think of putting Hanuma Vihari up in order in the absence of Virat Kohli; and Prasad, who has seen Vihari up close, feels it won’t be a bad idea to face him in fifth place.
“Vihari has a very solid technique and temperament and can serve this test team for a long time. In Virat’s absence, it would be a great opportunity for him and KL (Rahul) to stand up and be counted,” said Prasad. .
“I would rather Vihari hit No. 4 or 5 in the upcoming Trials and face the challenge. He is a brave boy and I am confident that he will do well if given the challenge. KL can be a good No. 6 in this one. series, “said the former president of selectors.
Mohammad Siraj in the mix
He has suffered a tragedy during the current tour, having lost his father; But young Mohammed Siraj’s six five-wicket casts for India will finally be rewarded as he prepares to make his testing debut at MCG in place of Shami.
The choice was between him and Navdeep Saini, but Siraj’s best show during both practice games has tipped the balance in his favor.
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