Australia vs India 2018: Who Should Replace KL Rahul In The Playing XI For Boxing Day Test?

Well, ahead of Boxing Day Test, Indian National Cricket Team is stuck with a major problem in the opening section. The repeated failures from KL Rahul might not push management to give him any more chances in the ongoing series. Meanwhile, the biggest dilemma is who is going to replace him? Well, quite a few players are available in the basket for India.

With Prithvi Shaw being ruled out, BCCI included Mayank Agarwal to the squad alongside Hardik Pandya. But, will he directly get entry into the playing XI? Well, his inexperience in playing Australia in Australia might play a villain role to him, especially, with the series victory at stake.

It is expected that Murali Vijay will be given one more chance, as he got a decent technique, unlike KL Rahul. Another couple of options left in the kitty are Parthiv Patel and Hanuma Vihari. The latter took the role of playing second new ball so far in his short Test career.

Mayank Agarwal might get his debut cap:

They can take a gamble with Hanuma Vihari at the top of the order. In that case, they can embed Hardik Pandya to the side as well. It would certainly help the team to get the right kind of team balance. But, can Hanuma Vihari gets success at top of the order? However, they might not choose that option, as it would be harsh on Mayank Agarwal, who had a great domestic stint.

Parthiv Patel also did a decent job in tackling the opening slot in a recent tour. But management might not vote for him, as he was chosen as the back wicketkeeper. Likely, we can see Mayank Agarwal making his debut for India in the upcoming Boxing Day Test, unless any other tactical plans from the Indian management.

The only concern with the Mayank Agarwal is that he never faced Kookaburra ball in his career. It needs a special effort from the youngster to play Kookaburra ball against the likes of Mitchell Starc, Hazlewood and Pat Cummins under tough circumstances.

Do the management put their hopes on young Mayank Agarwal or will they ask Hanuma Vihari to open the innings in order to get the team balance right? Or else, they might even surprise by giving a chance to KL Rahul once again. Well, a lot of dilemmas for the visitors ahead of Boxing day Test.