Ahead of the Boxing Day (Dec 26) Test in Melbourne between Australia and India, legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has reckoned that KL Rahul should replace the struggling Prithvi Shaw as an opener in the India XI against Australia.
Shaw is likely to be dropped for the all-important second Boxing Day Test against Australia, starting December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) following his string of poor performances with the bat and the latest one in Adelaide Test, where he scored 0 and 4 runs in both innings.
As India suffered a massive 8-wicket defeat in the first Day-Night Test after a dramatic batting collapse in the second innings in Adelaide, the tourists will certainly like to bounce back in the Boxing Day blockbuster at MCG probably with the number of changes in the XI against Australia.
Ahead of the crucial Test, Gavaskar suggested Team India should pick Rahul as Mayank Agarwal’s opening partner for the second Test against Australia while calling for the inclusion of Shubman Gill in the playing XI but said the youngsters should be played at No.5 or 6 at MCG.
However, the Karnataka batsman hasn’t played Test cricket for nearly one and half years – his last Test appearance came against West Indies in August last year, but has been an integral member of the ODI and T20I teams, and his white-ball form can help India against Australia.
Gavaskar told YouTube channel ‘Sports Tak’ on Tuesday: “India will look at making 2 changes. Firstly, maybe KL Rahul should replace Prithvi Shaw as an opener. At No. 5 or No. 6, Shubman Gill should come in. His form has been good. Things can change if we start well.”
The former India captain has also urged the national side to play the remainder of the Test series with positive intent to avoid a 0-4 drubbing in Australia.
Gavaskar added, “India have to believe that they can come back in the remainder of the Test series. If India doesn’t find the positivity, then a 4-0 series loss can happen. But if they have positivity, why not? It can happen (comeback). India should start the Melbourne Test well, it’s necessary for them to step onto the ground with a lot of positivity. Australia’s weak point is their batting,”
He understands the fans’ anger over India’s embarrassing show in the second innings of the Adelaide Test but said it is the nature of the game filled with uncertainties.
Gavaskar signed off, “It’s natural that there is anger after such a performance. But in cricket, anything can happen. Look at how the scene was yesterday, and what has happened today.”
(With PTI Inputs)
