Shubman Gill OUT of India vs Australia Test!! KL Rahul-Rohit Sharma's batting positions fixed?

Young Indian batter Shubman Gill is reportedly doubtful for the upcoming second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series against Australia. Shubman Gill, who missed the first Test match, has not fully recovered from his finger injury, according to a report by The Times of India.

The right-handed batter injured his left thumb while fielding at slips during a practice match simulation at the WACA Ground before the Perth Test. Gill was replaced by left-handed batter Devdutt Padikkal for the series opener, where Jasprit Bumrah's team secured a dominant 295-run victory.

Shubman Gill Advised 10-14 days rest by Medical Specialist

Team India is set to play a pink-ball practice match against Australia Prime Minister's XI in Canberra, starting on November 30. Shubman Gill is expected to miss the practice match ahead of the second Test. According to reports, he is uncertain for the upcoming match against the Pat Cummins-led side.

Shubman Gill has been advised a 10-14 day rest to recover from his thumb injury and is unlikely to participate in the pink-ball practice match. The report added that he is doubtful for the second Test as he needs match practice before being considered for selection.

"Gill was advised a 10-14 day rest by the medical specialist after suffering that injury. He won't play in the practice match on the weekend and is doubtful at the moment for the second Test too. Let's see how much his injury has healed, and how his finger feels. Even after it has healed, he'll need some quality practice before playing a Test match," a source told The Times of India.

Mohammed Shami Unlikely to Travel to Australia for Test Series Soon

The report also stated that pacer Mohammed Shami is unlikely to travel to Australia soon. Shami recently returned to competitive cricket after recovering from knee surgery. The selectors are not discussing sending him, as the current fast bowlers are performing well.

"There has been no conversation around trying to send Shami to Australia, at least for now. At the moment, the fast bowlers chosen for the tour and the first XI in the opening Test at Perth are doing their job very well," the report added.

Rohit Sharma to Bat in Middle Order During Second Test in Adelaide?

Skipper Rohit Sharma will return to the Indian XI for the second Test in Adelaide, replacing Devdutt Padikkal. KL Rahul's position in the pink-ball warm-up match in Canberra will be closely watched, as it depends on Shubman Gill's fitness. If Gill is not fit, Rahul may take the No. 3 spot instead of Padikkal.

According to some reports, Rohit Sharma might bat at No. 5 or 6, as Rahul countered Australia's pace bowling attack effectively with the new ball. Rahul was selected as a makeshift opener in Rohit's absence and scored 26 and 77. The Karnataka batter shared a 200+ opening stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Also read: IPL 2025: Revealed - How Virat Kohli blocked RCB from acquiring KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant at auction