BCCI’s Chairman of Selectors MSK Prasad has hinted at a number of changes in the Indian playing XI in the Boxing-Day test in Melbourne starting from December 26. India’s batting collapse in Adelaide has made the chief selector think hard on the possible changes in the line-up and he has come up with a few. As per PTI, Prasad has hinted at a few manir changes in the line-up after India was humbled by the Aussies in Adelaide.
To start with, it is understood that Shubman Gill is expected to replace Prithvi Shaw as Rohit Sharma is under a mandatory quarantine period and can only join the team in the third test.
Wriddhiman Saha is also likely to be replaced by Rishabh Pant in Melbourne. Pant scored 350 tuns on his last trip to Australia. Saha’s failure with the bat has promoted MSK Prasad to ponder about this change as well.
“Look, our committee was clear that Rishabh Pant will be our first choice keeper in places like England and Australia. Only when we are looking at matches in India where you don’t need batting after number six most times, you can have a specialist keeper,” Prasad told PTI on Sunday.
Also Read: Ricky Ponting, Sunil Gavaskar Bats For Rohit Sharma’s Inclusion In Next Tests
MSK Prasad Hints Probable Changes in Melbourne
KL Rahul and Mohammad Siraj are the other two changes that might feature in the line-up. While Siraj in is line for his test debut, after Mohammed Shami was ruled out of the remaining test series, KL Rahul might bat at number six with Hanuma Vihari likely to bat at number five.
MSK Prasad has backed HanumaVihari to bat at number five saying that he has a good technique. KL Rahul will add depth to the batting line-up feels Prasad.
“Vihari has a very sound technique and temperament and he can serve this Test team for a long time. In absence of Virat, it would be a great opportunity for him and KL (Rahul) to stand up and be counted,” Prasad said.
“I would prefer Vihari batting at No. 4 or 5 in the next few Tests and face the challenge. He is a gutsy boy and I have confidence that he will do well if given the challenge. KL can be a good No. 6 in this series,” the former chairman of selectors said.
India’s loss to Australia in Adelaide has been criticised by former Indian cricketer with Parthiv Patel even going to the extent of saying this as a ‘shameful performance’.
Also Read: Wasim Jaffer Hits Back At Fan For Accusing Him Of Making Memes At India’s Batting