Published By: Sayan Guha

BGT 2024/25: India’s Pink Ball Test Prep- 3 Key Insights from the Practice Match

Fresh talent, fiery returns, and a form dilemma, what’s brewing ahead of the pink ball Test?

Practice games in cricket frequently reveal hidden facts. For India, the warm-up match against Australia’s Prime Minister’s XI before the pink-ball Test was more than simply a dress rehearsal—it was a test of players and tactics. While some stars maintained their shape, others faltered as India beat Australia’s Prime Minister’s XI by 6 wickets. Here are three takeaways from the game, along with one developing concern.

Harshit Rana’s magic with the pink ball

In a match that senior players frequently dominated, Harshit Rana, 22, wowed the crowd with his aggressive bowling. His 4 for 44 stints decimated Australia’s PM XI and provided India with what they had been looking for: a pink-ball specialist who thrives under lights.

Rana stood out for his ability to extract bounce and movement from a flat wicket. He removed crucial batters as Jack Clayton and Oliver Davies, shattering the opposition’s middle order. Rana may be India’s wildcard, bringing bite to the pace attack with Jasprit Bumrah. 

Shubman Gill: A welcome comeback

Shubman Gill, who missed the first Test owing to injury, made an impressive comeback. Gill batted with the elegance we’ve come to expect, scoring a smooth 50 off 62 balls before retiring hurt, indicating that he’s ready to return to Test cricket.

Gill’s timing and comfort in facing pace and spin were encouraging signals for Team India. His innings contained seven boundaries, each displaying his ability to pick gaps quickly. Gill’s form is improving, and he will most likely bat first down in the pink-ball Test, adding to India’s batting depth.

Jaiswal and Rahul: A reliable opening pair

India's opening combination has been inconsistent recently due to Rohit Sharma's poor form. However, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul could provide a solution. The duo had an impressive partnership, scoring a double century in the first Test while Sharma was injured, and they continued their strong performance in the warm-up game.

Jaiswal’s explosive 45 off 59 balls and Rahul’s calm 27 showed how their approaches complement each other. Jaiswal’s stroke play kept the scoreboard ticking, while Rahul handled the strain and laid a strong foundation. Their chemistry may persuade the management to persist with this combination for the pink-ball Test, allowing Rohit Sharma to bat further down the order.

A growing concern: Rohit Sharma’s form

While India identified several positives, skipper Rohit Sharma’s form remains a major concern. Rohit batted at No. 4 in the practice game, scoring three runs off 11 deliveries before falling to Charlie Anderson.

Rohit’s recent figures paint a bleak picture, with only 91 runs in his past three Tests against New Zealand and no major figures in the current Test series against Bangladesh. The pink ball Test requires finesse, particularly at the top, and Rohit’s lack of runs may push India to reconsider his role.

A balancing act for India

As India enters the vital second Test, the team aims to strike the correct balance in their performance. Harshit Rana’s form improves the bowling options, while Shubman Gill’s comeback and the fruitful combo of Jaiswal and Rahul benefit the batting lineup considerably. Nonetheless, Rohit Sharma’s recent troubles may constitute a setback.

India can succeed with tactical changes, but using the pink ball in evening conditions will test the players’ skills. The outcome will determine whether the team can capitalise on the confidence garnered from their warm-up encounter or if Rohit’s form eventually hinders their performance.