Published By: Sayan Guha

BGT 2024/25: India’s Adelaide Puzzle! Stars Ready, But Who Makes the Cut?

Credit: NDTV

As India gears up for the pink-ball Test, tough choices await the team

India enters Adelaide with momentum after a dominant victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opening in Perth. The 295-run victory illustrated the team's depth and versatility despite missing important players Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. But, as the pink-ball Test approaches, the return of these legends raises a fascinating but difficult question: how can India prepare its XI for the day-night spectacle?

Momentum meets Pink-Ball challenges

India's top order performed admirably in the second innings in Perth, with KL Rahul scoring 77 and Yashasvi Jaiswal making an impressive 161. The return of skipper Rohit Sharma and veteran Shubman Gill raises selection concerns. Due to the specific challenges presented by the pink ball at Adelaide Oval, the batting order must balance aggressiveness and prudence. How can India form a winning combination?

Combination 1: Jaiswal-Gill partnership, Rohit at no. 3

A fascinating alternative puts Jaiswal in the mix, putting him with Gill at the top. Rohit might drop to No. 3, where his experience can help anchor the innings and guard against early collapses.

KL Rahul may keep his place in the XI but drop to sixth. This formation uses Jaiswal's aggressiveness, Gill's stability, and Rohit's leadership in critical situations. Rahul's adaptability is crucial here, providing flexibility to the batting order.

Combination 2: Jaiswal-Rohit open, Gill at no. 5

Jaiswal and Rohit may start together ideally to achieve a balance of form and experience. Gill, who has demonstrated his versatility across formats, may move into the middle order at No. 5. This method strikes a balance between expertise at the top and Gill's calm approach to the pink ball in the latter stages.

In this instance, Rahul might face the axe or take up the first-down position, depending on whether the team decides to bench Dhruv Jurel and Devdutt Padikkal. This adjustment ensures all-around balance while preserving the main batting order.

Combination 3: KL opens, Rohit at no. 6

In a scenario that prioritises continuity, Rahul partners Jaiswal at the top. At the same time, Rohit Sharma moves down the order to No. 6. With Rohit's shown ability to perform under duress, this setup allows Gill to remain at No. 3, protecting him from the pink ball's early danger.

This unusual permutation provides depth in the middle order while allowing Jaiswal to shine with the new ball. However, Rohit's preference for open makes this a less possible but courageous decision.

Bowling conundrum: To experiment or stick?

India's bowling attack delivered in Perth, with Bumrah and Siraj leading the way. Debutant Harshit Rana and all-rounder Washington Sundar provided excellent assistance.

However, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are waiting in the wings, and their addition might provide more variation to challenge Australia. But with Sundar providing both control and batting depth, team management has a difficult decision.

Practice match: The final test?

India's warm-up game in Canberra may answer this selection problem. It's an opportunity for Rohit and Gill to show off their match fitness and for the management to choose the final XI. Adelaide's pink-ball Test requires accuracy, and this dress rehearsal might be crucial.

Whatever happens, Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel may have to make way for Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma since the stakes need the best XI.

The decision to support Jaiswal-Rahul or stay with experienced choices will influence the result. Can the bowling assault sustain its performance under lights? Only time will tell, but the Adelaide Oval promises a thrilling spectacle.