Ravi Shastri Outlines India's Playing XI For Perth Test If Rohit Sharma Is Unavailable

Ravi Shastri, the former head coach of India, has suggested that Shubman Gill should open the batting if Rohit Sharma is unavailable for the first Test against Australia in Perth on November 22. This recommendation comes amid growing discussions about India's playing eleven, especially with uncertainty surrounding Rohit's availability due to personal reasons.

If Rohit misses out, India will need to fill a gap at the top of the order. Options include KL Rahul and young batter Abhimanyu Easwaran, who could join Yashasvi Jaiswal as potential openers. However, Shastri believes Gill, usually India's No.3 batter, might be a better choice given Perth's likely bouncy conditions.

"That's a tough one and selectors have a choice. You can push Shubman (Gill) back up the order and he has opened in the past in Australia," Shastri said on a recent episode of ICC Review. He added that while Easwaran hasn't performed well for India A in Australia, it's crucial to consider how both Easwaran and Rahul are batting in the nets.

Rishabh Pant is expected to retain his position as wicketkeeper. Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel has impressed with his performances for India A. Jurel scored 80 and 68 in a recent low-scoring match against Australia A at the MCG, showcasing his composure and skill under pressure.

Shastri praised Jurel's temperament and calmness during challenging situations. "I think he can easily play as a (specialist) batter," Shastri noted. He highlighted Jurel's ability to perform under pressure and his range of shots as key strengths that could earn him a spot in Perth.

The former coach also mentioned that promoting Gill up the order could provide more options in the middle order if Rohit is absent. This strategic move could help balance India's lineup effectively.

Spin Bowling Considerations

Regarding spin options, Shastri acknowledged India's strong choices but suggested only one specialist spinner is necessary for Perth's conditions. He feels Ravindra Jadeja might be preferred over Ravichandran Ashwin due to Jadeja's fielding and batting contributions.

"I would go with one spinner," Shastri stated, citing Perth's pace and bounce as reasons for this decision. He emphasised the importance of pace bowlers exploiting these conditions to maintain pressure on batsmen.

Pace Attack Decisions

With Mohammed Shami recovering from injury and not part of the touring squad, selecting two fast bowlers to support Jasprit Bumrah becomes crucial. Mohammed Siraj is expected to feature prominently after his contributions in last year's World Test Championship final against Australia.

Shastri suggests Akash Deep, an inexperienced right-arm pacer, could be given an opportunity alongside Nitesh Reddy as potential options. "I think the three I would pick straight away is Aakash Deep, (Mohammed) Siraj and Bumrah," he said.

Nitesh Reddy might play a role similar to Shardul Thakur as a fourth seamer who can bat a bit and provide respite for other bowlers by bowling short spells effectively.

Ravi Shastri's India Playing 11 for Perth Test

Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja/Washington Sundar, Nitish Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj.