After India has been vanquished by New Zealand in the first two Tests, their chances of making it to WTC has been seriously dented. They will now need to get the best of results in Australia in the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy which looks like an uphill task.
BCCI recently announced the squad for the imminent fray Down Under and there were quite a few new names in it. Here is India’s strongest playing XI from the squad for the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
Openers: Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal
Despite Rohit Sharma’s slumping numbers against New Zealand, it goes without saying that the Hitman is a phenomenal player of pace and movement and that makes him a very good pick Down Under. Of course as a captain, he would also be a regular in the squad. Yashasvi Jaiswal has been in sensational across all formats and all conditions. His fearless attitude makes him an exciting choice in Australia.
Middle Order: Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja
Shubman Gill has formerly shown in his debut series that he can actually be a big name to watch out for. With the kind of experience and exposure that Gill has in his repertoire, he will be the right man to negotiate with the bounce and movement Down Under. Virat Kohli may have been at the receiving end of some serious stick due his questionable numbers against New Zealand but when it comes to Australia, he is a different gravy altogether. Always pumped up, Kohli will be an important pick in the series.
Rishabh Pant has been a Titan Redivivus ever since his return to international cricket. He will be desperate to return to Australia where he crushed the pride of Gabba and craft more memories.
Sarfaraz Khan has been a fearless attacker and having someone of his quality in Australia should be a massive boost for India considering his prowess of scoring those quick runs. Ravindra Jadeja is one of the finest all-rounders that you have in your side and he is also a wicket-taking option. Not only will he contribute towards the lower-middle order but he can also change the game with wickets.
Bowlers: Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah
Ashwin has formerly shown his worth in Australia and he can contribute both with the bat and the ball. Despite the fact that his numbers with the ball in his hands has been slightly shaky, in the last edition of the series that happened Down Under, his marathon innings alongside Hanuma Vihari saved India the series.
Mohammed Siraj may have been on a slumping note in India but when it comes to the SENA nations, Siraj is a different beast. With his pace, bounce and movement, he turns unplayable.
Akash Deep has been ruthless in the flat Indian conditions. He has got brutal pace up his sleeve and will be a hit Down Under as the conditions get a lot more favourable for him. Jasprit Bumrah, the vice-captain of Team India will also be the leading moniker in the Indian bowling squadron and his recent form ever since his return to international cricket can never question otherwise.
