Devdutt Padikkal, Yash Dayal join Team India ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener vs Australia

In a recent development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made changes to the squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25) against Australia. The team management added Karnataka left-handed batter Devdutt Padikkal to the squad amid reports of Shubman Gill's injury.

Team India has been forced to change their plans ahead of the first Test match. They will miss two of their top three batters for the series opener. Captain Rohit Sharma is unavailable due to the birth of his second child, while Shubman Gill hurt his thumb during a practice session against India A at WACA.

Devdutt Padikkal, Yash Dayal added to the India Squad Ahead of the Perth Test

KL Rahul is likely to replace Rohit at the top of the order, but the team has to fill the gap at No. 3 following Shubman Gill’s injury. Reputed media outlet RevSportz confirmed that Devdutt Padikkal has been added to the squad. It also reported that Yash Dayal has been included as a traveling reserve.

🚨 Devdutt Padikkal has been added to the main squad while Yash Dayal is part of the traveling reserve. #BGT #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/5qgZGkWNZd

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) November 20, 2024

Devdutt Padikkal Likely to Be Included in India's Playing XI for Perth Test

There is a strong possibility that Devdutt Padikkal could be included in the playing XI for his first overseas Test. Padikkal impressed with a stellar 88-run performance in the first unofficial Test against Australia 'A' in Mackay. His knock strengthened his case for a spot in the main squad for the Perth Test.

Shubman Gill suffered a finger injury while fielding in the slips during the simulation match against India A. He scored 28 in the first innings and added an unbeaten 12 runs in the second. Batting at No. 3, Gill has scored 926 runs in 14 matches at an average of 42.09, including three centuries and three fifties.

First Test Between India and Australia to Commence on November 22

The Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia will begin on Friday, November 22, in Perth. The second Test, a day-night match, will be held at the Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10.

The series will then move to Brisbane, where the third Test will be played at The Gabba from December 14 to 18. The Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will take place from December 26 to 30, with the series concluding at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from January 3 to 7.

Also read: Rahul Dravid puts the entire responsibility for India's success in Australia on Virat Kohli