Sunil Gavaskar blocks Gautam Gambhir from dropping Akash Deep, Nitish Kumar Reddy

Speculations are rife about changes in India’s playing XI for the ongoing 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy must-win Boxing Day Test against Australia, starting on December 26 in -Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) iconic in Melbourne.

As the teams gearing up for the crucial fourth Test in Melbourne, the Indian cricket team faces a significant selection dilemma regarding their lineup, especially given Ravichandran Ashwin’s unexpected retirement from international cricket after the Test of Gabba raised.

With the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy still tied at 1-1, changes to India’s XI are definitely on the cards, and there is even talk that young pace bowler Nitish Kumar Reddy could ‘ is removed from the team to bring him. back second spin all-rounder Washington Sundar.

Sunil Gavaskar backs Nitish Kumar Reddy to retain place for Boxing Day test

Media reports have claimed that Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar will both play in the Boxing Day Test; therefore, Nitish Kumar Reddy will have to make way for the Tamil Nadu star, but legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar feels it will be a big mistake if the team management takes this call.

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The former Indian captain strongly believes that Nitish Kumar Reddy should be in India’s playing XI for the Boxing Day Test against Australia. Gavaskar believes that Reddy, as the fourth seamer, is crucial to the balance of the Indian cricket team and cannot be dropped from the XI.

The legendary Indian batsman also emphasized that India cannot afford to go into the must-win Test match of the ongoing five-match Test series with only two pacers, they predict that the Gabba Test formation will remain the same against Melbourne

They cannot topple Nitish Kumar Reddy: Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar said on Star Sports ahead of the fourth Test at the MCG: “They cannot drop Nitish Kumar Reddy. He is the fourth seamer. I can’t see India going in with only two pacers and Nitish. For me, it’s pretty much this XI that plays in Melbourne.”

Meanwhile, Sunil Gavaskar also rejected the idea of ​​a replacement Akash Deep with Harshit Rana for the fourth Test against Australia at the MCG

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However, Akash Deep’s bowling in Brisbane was unremarkable, with figures of 3/123, but his 31 runs from 44 balls at No.11 was crucial in helping India avoid the follow-on and draw against Australia in the third Test. in the Gabba.

Harshit Rana unlikely to replace Akash Deep: Sunil Gavaskar

The legendary batsman feels that it is unlikely that Harshit Rana will replace Akash Deep, especially after the pacer played a key role in the follow-up. He considered dropping Akash to be pointless. Gavaskar signed off by saying, “It is unlikely that Harshit will replace Akash Deep. Why would you shoot down a man who saved your team from being chased?”

Besides, the Indian team is also considering changes in the top order for the upcoming Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Rohit Sharma could return to open, and KL Rahul could move to No.3, with Shubman Gill facing the axing, having struggled with the bat Down Under.