BGT 2024-25: Gavaskar Supports Nitish Reddy as India Considers Major Changes for Boxing Day Test

New Delhi, Dec 25 (NationPress) As the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches a crucial moment with the series currently tied at 1-1, Team India finds itself grappling with notable selection challenges ahead of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The aftermath of the third Test at the Gabba, which concluded in a fiercely contested draw, has ignited a flurry of anticipated and speculative adjustments, with the legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar weighing in on the strategic decisions the Indian team management must confront.

The most significant change arose from the unexpected retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s premier all-rounders, right after the third Test at Gabba in Brisbane. Ashwin’s departure has created a substantial gap in the squad, both in terms of his tactical insight and his unparalleled prowess as a spinner.

Newcomer off-spinning all-rounder Tanush Kotian has been appointed as Ashwin’s substitute, heralding a new era for India’s spin attack.

Among the myriad speculations surrounding the Indian lineup, a significant point of contention revolves around Nitish Kumar Reddy’s role in the playing XI. While some advocate for Washington Sundar to replace Reddy to bolster India’s spinning options, Gavaskar firmly disagrees. “They can’t drop Nitish Kumar Reddy. He is the fourth seamer. I can’t envision India proceeding with just two pacers and Nitish. For me, it’s pretty much this XI that plays in Melbourne,” Gavaskar stated during an interview with Star Sports.

Despite being a dependable lower-order batter, Reddy has faced challenges in making significant contributions with the ball throughout the series. Nonetheless, Gavaskar contends that Reddy's capacity to deliver essential breakthroughs and his batting contributions render him vital for the team’s equilibrium. The Indian management is also mulling a reshuffle at the top of the batting order, with indications that Rohit Sharma could revert to his favored role as an opener. Rohit’s return to the top would necessitate a rearrangement of the middle order.

If Rohit opens, K.L. Rahul may be positioned at No. 3, taking the place of the struggling Shubman Gill. Gill, who has not been performing at his peak during this series, might either drop to No. 4 or be completely replaced by Dhurv Jurel.

The composition of India’s pace attack has also been a topic of contention. Akash Deep, whose batting heroics helped India escape the follow-on at the Gabba, is expected to retain his position. Gavaskar dismissed the notion of substituting him with Harshit Rana, asserting, “It’s unlikely that Harshit will replace Akash Deep. Why would you drop a man who has saved your team from follow-on?”