The Border-Gavaskar Trophy battle has intensified after Australia’s dominant win in the second test at Adelaide to draw the series level 1-1. The manner of defeat is worrying for Indian cricket and they must make a few tweaks to strike the right balance for the Gabba Test in Brisbane.

After the dismal performance in the second test, there is a lot to ponder for the Team India think tank. Here are the three possible changes that can work in favor of the Indian National Cricket Team as they gear up for the 3rd Test IND vs AUS.

1. Akash Deep in place of Harshit Rana

Harshit Rana was good in the first test but was as bad in the second test. Yes, he should be backed but these are dire circumstances and there is a need to fix it!

Akash Deep, who has picked up 10 wickets at an average of 25.80 in his short test career so far, is one of the options before India. The fast bowler has impressed in the home tests and has a strong domestic record to back it.

Akash Deep has scalped 123 wickets in first-class cricket at a stunning average of 22.98. His ability to bowl tight lines from difficult angles with pace and accuracy makes him an excellent prospect in fast-bowling-friendly conditions.

Can he make an impact? Well, only time can tell. At this moment, India is looking for a third fast bowler who can support Jasprit Burmah and Mohammed Siraj. If Akash Deep makes an impact, he will do a world of good for the workload of Bumrah-Siraj. 

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2. Ravindra Jadeja or Washington Sundar for R Ashwin

There is no denying the fact that Ravichandran Ashwin is India’s best spinner at the moment. However, the offie was not at his best in the second test and failed to make any sort of impact. Add to that, the injury concerns he dealt in the match. So, for that reason, Team India may turn to either Ravindra Jadeja or Washington Sundar for the Brisbane Test.

Washington Sundar was favored in the first test basis of the red-hot form he was in the recent home series against New Zealand. However, it means not much since these are different conditions back home.

On the other hand, Ravindra Jadeja boasts a wealth of experience and a proven all-rounder record. India may factor that in and pick a spinner with experience. 

Related 5 Young Guns to Watch in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2025

3. Rohit Sharma at the top of the batting order

Rohit Sharma’s last 11 Test Innings scores read 6, 5, 23, 8, 2, 52, 0, 8, 18, 11, 3. The Indian captain is struggling big time but at the same time batting out of position can make matters worse. 

In the ongoing BGT 2024-25 series, he missed the first Test and KL Rahul did well batting at the position he vacated.

In the second test, he didn’t have a great outing batting in the middle order and neither KL Rahul had a good time at the top of the batting order.

India’s think tank may consider reinstating Rohit as an opener — a batting spot where he contributes the best. As an opening batsman in 64 innings, Rohit Sharma has amassed 2,685 runs at an average of 44.02, including nine centuries.

Rohit Sharma is the kind of batsman who sets the tone of the match. And, India is looking to do that – an impactful knock at the top of the order.

Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal are India’s most successful opening pair in recent times – 1,236 runs in 26 innings.

In a nutshell, India needs Rohit Sharma at the top of the batting order more than any other position.

Related The Indian Players Who’ve Shone on Australian Soil: Border-Gavaskar Trophy Legends

India’s Probable XI for Brisbane Test

1. Rohit Sharma
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal
3. Shubman Gill
4. Virat Kohli
5. Rishabh Pant
6. KL Rahul
7. Nitish Reddy
8. Ravindra Jadeja/Washington Sundar
9. Akash Deep
10. Jasprit Bumrah
11. Mohammed Siraj

India’s BGT 2024-25 Squad

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Rohit Sharma (c), Nitish Reddy, Ravichandran Ashwin, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Devdutt Padikkal, Ravindra Jadeja, Sarfaraz Khan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep

Australia takes on India in the 3rd Test at The Gabba, Brisbane, on 14 December 2024. The Australia vs India 3rd test live action starts at 5:50 AM IST.

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