India’s upcoming five-match Test series against Australia, starting on November 22, is poised to be a critical one, with the Indian team facing a number of challenges. The defeat to New Zealand, where India suffered a 0-3 whitewash at home, has significantly impacted their chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. To secure a place in the final without depending on other results, India needs to win at least four of their five Test matches against Australia.
Adding to the complications, India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, is likely to miss the first Test due to personal reasons. This further elevates the pressure on the squad to deliver results. In the absence of Rohit, KL Rahul's form has been a major topic of discussion. Recently added to the India A squad for the second unofficial Test against Australia, Rahul's struggles continued as he was dismissed cheaply in both innings, scoring just 4 and 10. His poor form with the bat, particularly in the ongoing year, has raised questions about his position in the playing XI for the upcoming series.
Since 2022, Rahul has managed only 514 runs from 12 Test matches (21 innings) at an average of 25.7, with just three half-centuries and one century to his name. His performances in Australia have been equally underwhelming, with only 183 runs from four matches (seven innings) at an average of 26.14. This has left the team management with a tough decision regarding the opening spot.
Abhimanyu Easwaran, another potential candidate for the opening role, has had a stellar run in domestic cricket, scoring four consecutive centuries. However, his performance in the Australia A series was less than impressive, managing only 36 runs from two matches, including a duck in the second game. This has further complicated India’s decision-making process, leaving Shubman Gill as a potential solution.
Gill, who has been a standout performer this year, has 806 runs from 10 matches at an average of 47.41, including three centuries and three fifties. In the 2020-21 series in Australia, he impressed with 259 runs in three matches, averaging 51.80. Despite his success, Gill has expressed a preference for batting at number three, a position he has occupied since 2023. This raises the question of whether India’s team management will consider shifting Gill back to the opening slot or stick with their established lineup.
With no further practice matches scheduled after the ongoing second match against Australia A, time is running out for the team management to make crucial decisions. India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has expressed support for Rahul despite his recent failures. Gambhir praised Rahul's adaptability and his rare ability to bat at multiple positions, including opening the batting, number three, and even number six, as well as his experience as a wicketkeeper in limited-overs formats. Gambhir remains confident that Rahul has the ability to turn his form around and deliver when the team needs it most.
Ultimately, the situation leaves India with several options but no clear answer. As the first Test against Australia approaches, the Indian team will need to finalize their lineup and ensure that they field a squad capable of taking on one of the best teams in world cricket. The next few days will be crucial as the leadership group decides whether to back Rahul for one more opportunity or make a change at the top of the order.
