India has transitioned back to the red-ball format, preparing intensively for a clash with the top-ranked Australian Test team. Rohit Sharma and his men are wary of the challenge ahead, as Pat Cummins' squad has been dominant and hasn't dropped a series since December 2021. This high-stakes four-match series is scheduled from February 9 to March 14.
Team India has shifted its focus to red-ball cricket and started strong preparation to face a tough challenge from the world’s no.1 Test side Australia. Rohit Sharma-led men cannot take Pat Cummins-led side lightly as they are in good form and have not lost a Test series since December 2021. India and Australia will square off in four-match Test series, starting from February 9 to March 14.
Due to a back injury picked up during the third ODI against Sri Lanka, Shreyas Iyer will miss the series opener in Nagpur. His absence is a concern for the team, as he is particularly skilled at playing spin in the middle order. On a brighter note, reports indicate he will likely be fit for the second Test match in Delhi.
Shubman Gill, who has become a sensation in Indian cricket, is the top candidate to replace Iyer for the first Test. The 23-year-old opener is currently in peak form.
Gill's recent record is staggering, featuring four centuries, a double hundred, and his first-ever T20I century during the deciding match against the Black Caps.
Despite his scorching form, Gill will likely step aside at the top of the order to let Rohit and vice-captain KL Rahul open. Instead, he may be slotted into the middle order at number 5 or 6, where his skills would still be highly effective.
While Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan have received their first-ever Test call-ups, it remains to be seen if they will actually feature in the starting XI.