Team India pacer Akash Deep is doubtful for the fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 Test against Australia in Sydney due to a back injury. Despite bowling extensively in the last two matches, his efforts haven’t translated into wickets.
Deep has bowled 75 overs across the last two Tests, which has reportedly strained his back. Initially overlooked for the Perth and Adelaide Tests, he might now be replaced by Harshit Rana for the final match.
As per ‘The Indian Express’, this injury could lead to significant changes in India’s bowling setup. Alongside Rana, Prasidh Krishna may also feature in the XI, with one of the spin-bowling all-rounders, Washington Sundar or Ravindra Jadeja, potentially making way.
Additionally, concerns over Jasprit Bumrah’s workload remain high, especially after bowling 53 overs in Melbourne with limited recovery time before the series finale. Although Akash Deep managed just five wickets at an average of 54, he impressed with his consistent probing lines that tested the batters in both outings.
Team India may replace Rishabh Pant with Dhruv Jurel
Head coach Gautam Gambhir is reportedly dissatisfied with the Indian batters’ judgment and lack of team-oriented play, placing Rishabh Pant under scrutiny. Pant’s reckless approach in Melbourne, including expansive shots in both innings and a costly mistake on the final day, contributed to India’s collapse and handed Australia the series lead.
According to reports, India is considering dropping Pant in favor of wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel. Jurel impressed during the second unofficial Test against Australia A and featured in the series opener in Perth, stepping in during Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill’s absence.
Jurel’s promising Test career, which began after replacing KS Bharat, was disrupted by Pant’s return. Despite Jurel’s potential, Pant retained his spot during the home season due to his seniority and past red-ball success.
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