Devdutt Padikkal, the left-handed opener, who is in Australia with the India A side, will remain with the main Indian squad for the BGT 2024 five-Test series instead of returning home. This decision has been made after injury concerns in the Indian camp during the ongoing practice game between India and India A sides in Perth.
The Indian team management, in consultation with the national selectors, decided this after Shubman Gill reportedly fractured his left thumb in the field. He now races against time to get fit in time for the first Test in Perth that begins November 22.
In addition to this, Rohit Sharma is reportedly going to miss the Perth Test due to becoming a father for the second time as he and Ritika welcomed a baby boy on Friday, November 15. Their other expected opening batter, KL Rahul, also is expected to be absent from the game.
During the three-day match stimulation fight at the WACA in Perth, Rahul was struck his hand by a ball that rose awkwardly. The management is currently in a crucial position where they must choose Yashasvi Jaiswal's opening partner.
Padikkal recently faced the Australia A squad and scored 36, 88, 26, and 1 in his four innings. Under normal circumstances, these performances would not have earned a place in the senior national team. The management thinks he is the best option for batting backup because of his background and knowledge of Australian conditions.
In other news, the Indian team management is not keen on rushing Mohammad Shami into the squad ahead of the first Test in Perth. Shami, who was out of action due to an ankle injury and surgery since the 2023 World Cup final, made his cricketing return in the Ranji Trophy for Bengal.
He picked up 7 wickets including 4/54 in the first innings against Madhya Pradesh and also made contributions with the bat.
It is acknowledged, although, that the team management would rather he play a few more domestic matches before being given the opportunity to be called up for an India recall. This implies that Shami may play for Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 league, which is scheduled to start in a week or so.
(Cricbuzz inputs)
