Devdutt Padikkal is expected to play for India in the upcoming Perth Test as the visitors plan making some changes to their line up۔
In just three days from the opening match of the series against Australia in Perth, Indians’ focus would be on finding another solution for their attack as skipper Rohit Sharma along with opener Shubman Gill is out of the game. Rohit has left for paternity leave while Gill suffered a thumb injury playing a practice match for India A. The Indian camp now eyes Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel for adding to the fray.
Devdutt Padikkal and others all set for Perth Test
Management seems to have reduced its options after the practice session on Tuesday. Images posted online show Padikkal and Jurel actively participating in slip cordon drills with Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. And Jurel was also present at gully, which hinted that he could be the specialist batter as Rishabh Pant is likely to be the wicketkeeper.
Stylish left-hander Padikkal will probably replace Rohit at the top of the order. He had a good run with the bat in domestic cricket and possesses very good slip fielding skills that can make him one of the favourite contenders for selection. Jurel has been the surprise package in the warm-up games, raising hopes with his two half-centuries against Australia A, proving his sterling credentials in keeping it together when the chips were down.
Six players likely to pave their ways for the upcoming Test
The absence of Gill and Rohit sees India being reshuffled in the batting lineup. The top six for the Perth Test may feature Padikkal, Kohli, Rahul, Jaiswal, Jurel, and Pant, as this mix balances experience with fresh talent in adapting to the setbacks that have come their way.
The likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Abhimanyu Easwaran were also fancied as replacements, but now it seems the team management has decided on Padikkal and Jurel for their immediate requirement.
India’s new-look side will be put through a stern test by the Aussie men in the first Test, so all eyes will be now laid onto how Padikkal and Jurel step up to the big stage.
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