Indian team assistant coach Abhishek Nayar spoke about the exclusion of Shubman Gill from the Indian XI for the fourth BGT 2024 Test in Melbourne and stated that Gill wasn’t exactly dropped from the team.

India opted to bench Shubman Gill and instead of him, included Washington Sundar as second spinner in the India XI for the Melbourne Test. Nayar clarified that Gill's exclusion was a strategic move influenced by the pitch conditions at the MCG rather than a statement of his form or ability.

" "A lot of the decisions when they are made, and the process of it being made, the communication is always there and transparency is there. It's pretty obvious that we felt in these conditions, looking at the pitch, having Washy in the bowling attack will give us that variation, especially towards the end once the ball gets old.

Post the 50 overs, we felt that was an area that we wanted to get better at. We felt Washy could give us that solidarity with Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja), especially the way Travis Head and Alex Carey were getting runs lower down. So we felt having an offie in the ranks will provide us with that,” Nayar said at a press conference.  

In light of Gill's outstanding recent performances, the decision has generated controversy. Nayar clarified, though, that Sundar's presence was intended to provide depth and balance in a high-stakes match, both in bowling and batting.

There was also a player-involved incident on the field that day that garnered a lot of attention. By characterizing it as a normal emotional moment during a competitive match, Nayar attempted to minimize its importance.

"When you play a game, there will be emotions, but it is not as big as it seems. I wasn't aware of what happened and don't know what was said,” Nayar stated.

Furthermore, Abhishek Nayar spoke about India captain Rohit Sharma’s batting spot. Sharma has batted at No. 6 ever since he returned to the Indian XI in the Adelaide Test. However, with Shubman Gill gone from the XI, Rohit is expected to open the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the MCG Test.

Rohit managed only 19 runs batting at number six in the second and third Tests. KL Rahul is expected to bat at No. 3 as India's batting XI has been shuffled.

"Yes, Rohit will come up in the order, and more likely than not, he will open the innings. I just feel for a young player in a position like that, a big day, he wants to make his mark. He understands it's the team's requirement and it's unfortunate, but I wouldn't say that he's been dropped per se. It's just unfortunate that he couldn't find his place in this game," he said.

Batting first after captain Pat Cummins won the toss on a sweltering day, the hosts ended the day at 311/6. Four of Australian batters including 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas hit fifty and Steve Smith is 68*.

(PTI inputs)