Ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023, India’s team combination has become a major topic of discussion among cricket fans and experts.

With less than 24 hours to go for the opening Test in Nagpur, India skipper Rohit Sharma addressed a press conference, where he remained silent on the playing XI but made it clear that they will go into the four-match series with “horses for courses” approach.

Rohit was specifically asked about his choice between Suryakumar Yadav and Shubhman Gill as middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer isn’t available for the first Test due to injury.

“Tomorrow 9 o’ clock at toss. It’s going to be a tough one. We know lot of guys are in good form, that’s a good sign for the team,” Rohit said.

“You have selection issues and it says a lot about the guys performing. That’s quite crucial from team’s perspective, what we have to do is go to each venue, see the pitch and pick the best eleven. We have been doing that in past and we will be doing that going forward,” he added.

“Message to the boys is very clear. We are ready to play horses for courses. Whichever pitch, whoever we need, we have to bring them in. As simple as that. That is something we have spoken to the guys. We will have to assess conditions and see who are the right guys, so we are quite open with all options,” he further stated.

When asked who between Suryakumar and Gill is more suitable for the Nagpur track, the Indian captain replied: “They bring different things to the table for us. Gill we all know has been in supreme form in last three to four months. Lot of big hundreds as well. Surya has shown in T20s what he is capable of and what sort of game he can bring to Test cricket as well.”

“Both are quality options for us and we haven’t yet decided who will play among the two guys, keep in mind all aspects of the game. I will not give you guys anything today.”

Seeing the way pitch is being prepared for the first Test, spinners are expected to rule the roost and the outrage has already begun in the Australian cricket fraternity.

On social media, plenty of Australian fans, cricket pundits, media and their former players are accusing the BCCI of doctoring the surface.

Reacting to the pitch doctoring accusations, Rohit Sharma said: "Speaking about doctored pitches, I just feel like, focus on the cricket that is going to be played in the next five days and not worry too much about the pitch. The last series that we played here, a lot was said about the pitches. After all, the 22 guys out there are all quality players. So don't worry about what the pitches are going to be like, how much will it turn, how much will it seam. Just come out and play good cricket, win the game as simple as that."

“Itna pitch mat dekho yaar. Cricket khelo,” he concluded.

(With PTI Inputs)