The One Day International (ODI) and T20 matches between India and Australia are scheduled to be played this October-November. Before this important tour, the BCCI and the selection committee are expected to make a major announcement.
Sports News: The ODI and T20 series between India and Australia is set to begin on October 19. The squad for Team India's tour of Australia may be announced on Saturday, September 4. However, the team's star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant might miss this tour due to injury. Pant is not yet fully fit, which could force him to sit out both the ODI and T20 series.
Rishabh Pant — Out due to injury?
Rishabh Pant has been out of limited-overs cricket due to a foot injury (thumb / foot bone) sustained during the last England tour. His recovery is not yet complete, and the selectors will not want to risk him playing without being 100% fit. Therefore, it is likely that Pant will not be selected for this tour.
If Pant is ruled out, KL Rahul could step in as the primary wicketkeeper-batsman. Additionally, an experienced option like Sanju Samson is expected to be included in the squad as a backup wicketkeeper. Hardik Pandya is also facing issues with his contention for this tour. He sustained a quadriceps (upper thigh) injury during the Asia Cup, which prevented him from playing the final match.
Given the persistent nature of his injury and the uncertainty surrounding his recovery during a fast-paced tour, selectors might consider ruling him out. If Pandya is not in the team, players like Nitish Kumar Reddy or Shivam Dube could be tried as all-rounder options.
Shubman Gill — A compulsion of workload management
Shubman Gill has recently been playing in the England tour, while also taking on the role of Test captain. After playing continuous cricket in such a short span, selectors might want to rest him for this tour to safeguard his fitness and and performance. If Gill is rested, the team could explore flexible options like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, or young opener Abhishek Sharma for the batting lineup.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Return
According to media reports, Rohit and Kohli could make a comeback for this tour. Rohit is likely to be handed the captaincy. Both players had recently announced stepping back from certain international formats (Rohit from Tests, Kohli from T20s), but speculation about their return in the ODI format is intense.
Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is also likely to be rested for this tour to keep him fresh for later assignments. In his place, one or two young fast bowlers like Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, etc., might get an opportunity.
