IND vs AUS, 1st Test: Team India suffered a major setback on Saturday when star top-order batsman Shubman Gill fractured his left thumb, which creates a possibility to rule him out from the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting in Perth on November 22.

Gill, one of the youngsters of India’s last Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory, is the pillar of the batting lineup, and if captain Rohit Sharma is also ruled out of the first Test, India’s top order could appear weakened. Gill suffered the injury while fielding on the second day of the practice match, conducted by dividing the team into two parts. He looked in considerable pain after the injury and immediately left the field for a scan.

According to a source in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) with knowledge of the matter, Gill has a fracture in his left thumb. With less than a week left for the Test to begin, it will be almost impossible for the stylish right-handed batsman to be fit in time for the opening match. Thumb fractures usually take about 14 days to heal, after which the player is expected to resume regular net sessions. In this situation, his absence is a big blow for the Indian Side. Here’s a look at the potential replacements and scenarios India might consider.

Will Shubman Gill Return for the Second Test?

After the injury before the first test, Gill may return to the Adelaide test, which is going to start on December 6th. Reports suggest that Gill might recover in time for this match. However, his absence in the first Test leaves a significant gap in India’s batting order. He was considered as an opener alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal if Rohit Sharma wasn’t available.

KL Rahul’s Injury Adds More Worries

On the other hand, Lokesh Rahul also suffered an elbow injury from Prasidh Krishna’s short ball on the opening day of the team’s practice match and was forced to leave the field. Rahul’s injured part needed ‘icing’ and he did not come on the field on the second day of practice on Saturday. However, this was done as a precaution. If Gill remains absent, Abhimanyu Easwaran may get a chance to make his Test debut as India does not have many options. However, if Rohit Sharma decides to join the team for three days of training, then the story will be different.

Potential Replacements for Shubman Gill at Number 3

1. Virat Kohli

If Rohit Sharma manages to join the team before the Perth Test, he could open the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal. In this case, Virat Kohli might take the number 3 spot. Kohli has experience batting at this position in Tests, and he recently filled in at number 3 when Gill missed the first Test against New Zealand.

2. Dhruv Jurel

Dhruv Jurel has strengthened his case for the middle order with impressive performances against Australia A. In the first practice match in Melbourne, Jurel scored 80 runs off 186 balls in the first innings and followed it up with 68 runs off 122 balls in the second innings. Having played three Tests for India, Jurel could be a strong contender to bat at number 3 if Gill is unavailable.

Dhruv Jurel has strengthened his case for the middle order with impressive performances against Australia A.
Dhruv Jurel has strengthened his case for the middle order with impressive performances against Australia A.

3. Abhimanyu Easwaran

With Gill’s injury, Abhimanyu Easwaran’s chances of making the playing XI have increased. If Rohit Sharma does not play the Perth Test, Bengal’s star batter could open alongside Jaiswal. However, if Rohit plays, Easwaran might be batted at number 3.

Easwaran could open alongside Jaiswal
Easwaran could open alongside Jaiswal

4. KL Rahul

Head coach Gautam Gambhir has shown confidence in KL Rahul’s ability to bat in the top order. During a pre-tour press conference, Gambhir said, “KL Rahul can bat at number 3, he can play at number 6, and he even keeps wickets in ODIs. How many countries have a player like KL?” If Gill is ruled out, Rahul might be asked to step in at number 3.

KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, or Rishabh Pant could be another option for Rohit Sharma's absence. 
KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, or Rishabh Pant could be another option for Rohit Sharma’s absence.

5. Sarfaraz Khan or Rishabh Pant

Considering an aggressive approach against Australia, the team management might send either Sarfaraz Khan or Rishabh Pant at number 3. Pant, known for his explosive batting in T20s, has experience batting at this position, and it’s possible he could be seen batting at number 3 in this Test match as well. On the other side, Sarfaraj has batted brilliantly in the No. 3 position in the recently finished IND vs. NZ series.

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