IND vs AUS BGT: The India vs Australia Border-Gavaskar Trophy has turned out to be an essential series ahead for the Indian team, as after their first test loss against New Zealand, they would head on to win at least 3 games in the BGT.
India would have a compelling schedule for the qualification to the WTC as the Indian side, who were supposed to play 8 matches, 3 home matches against New Zealand, and 5 of their next Border-Gavaskar Trophy matches in Australia.
India had their qualification chances with 5 wins, whereas losing the first test would cost them big time, as now they need to win the BGT in Australia to fancy their chances into the WTC. This would lead India to a compelling third entry into the WTC final.
Prior to the team selections, one major update Rohit Sharma, the Indian skipper, has hinted at will be unavailability for the first one or two tests from the series, owing to family reasons. This would be a huge void for the Indian team, as they would be likely in the hunt for an opener as well as a skipper.
Though India does not have a fixed vice-captain, Jasprit Bumrah has been appointed for the role in the New Zealand series. While Shubman Gill, the vice-captain for the limited-overs formats, and wk-batsman Rishabh Pant might also be seen as Rohit’s deputy in the BGT.
However, the prime concern remains over who can be Rohit Sharma’s deputy as an opener in the series. Though KL Rahul is on the side, his current form is adding to the concern for the Indian team.
Likes of the three most promising Indian talents for the opening spot
Abhimanyu Easwaran
The promising Bengal opener and the skipper of the Ranji side have had one of the finest seasons of cricket, from scoring a hundred at the Duleep Trophy to a hundred in the Irani Cup final, and now a comeback hundred in the Ranji Trophy latest season.
Easwaran completes 100 career matches in First Class Cricket, as the 29-year-old has almost seen across a decade-long career in the Indian domestic circle—7500+ runs, 27 hundred, and a lot more for the Bengal star. He might be one of the most promising options for India for the opening spot in the BGT.
Sai Sudarshan
Though the other names on this list feature far more experienced players than the young and promising Sudarshan, he brings in a huge scope of excellence alongside him. Sudarshan was also seen making some compelling outings in the Duleep Trophy.
While he made his Surrey debut on the County side, he scored his debut hundred in the County Championship as well. Often playing handy innings in the IPL, Sudarshan is a class apart from his competitors. His latest Ranji Trophy double-ton for Tamil Nadu backs him for the BGT opening spot.
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Gaikwad has been long on the cards for selection into the Indian side; however, the in-form batter, despite the best of performances, has neither made it to the T20I nor Test side. However, now Gaikwad is on the cards for the BGT if Rohit Sharma misses out.
Gaikwad scored a recent hundred strikes at a great rate, which makes him the frontrunner for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy based on his recent form.
