Ex-RCB star finalized as Shubman Gill's replacement in India playing XI for Perth Test

Team India young batter Shubman Gill is set to miss the upcoming first Test match of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia. Shubman Gill is likely to be replaced by a former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter for the series opener against Pat Cummins-led side.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is dealing with a dilemma ahead of the first Test match in Perth. Skipper Rohit Sharma is unavailable due to personal reasons, and the situation worsened when Shubman Gill fractured his finger while taking a catch during a match simulation against India 'A'.

Shubman Gill Ruled Out of Perth Test After Thumb Injury in Practice

The extent of Shubman Gill's injury is still unclear, and the management is considering bringing a player from India 'A' into the main squad. According to a Times of India report, Gill hurt his thumb while fielding in the slips, and scans revealed a hairline fracture, which led to his absence from the first Test.

“He hurt his thumb while fielding in the slips. He was sent for scans, and it seems he's suffering from a hairline fracture. He will miss the first Test due to the injury but should return for the second,” a BCCI source told the Times of India.

Devdutt Padikkal Set to Join India’s Squad for First Test Match

Gill's absence is a big miss for India, especially after his strong performances in Australia during the last Test series win. According to Sportstar, Devdutt Padikkal is being considered as a potential replacement for Gill in the starting XI for the series opener.

Padikkal, who was part of the India A team, has been asked to stay back and practice with the Indian squad while the rest of the India A team departs for India. The left-handed batter has shown enough ability to handle the Australian conditions during the two unofficial Test matches against Australia A.

Padikkal had a slow start to the Ranji Trophy season before joining India 'A'. Earlier this year, he made his red-ball debut in the fifth Test against England in Dharamsala. The BCCI will release an official statement as the India 'A' team is set to leave Australia on November 17 after the match simulation.

Jasprit Bumrah to Lead Team India in First Test Of BGT 2024-25 Series

KL Rahul had sustained an elbow injury, but he has returned to practice, relieving some pressure on the Indian team. Rohit Sharma's availability for the Perth Test remains uncertain due to the recent birth of his baby boy. If he misses the first Test, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will take over as captain.

India, the current holders of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, must win the series 4-0 to have any chance of qualifying for the World Test Championship 2025 final, which is scheduled to take place at Lord's next year.

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