KL Rahul Injury Shakes India’s Plans Ahead of Boxing Day Test
India has faced a big setback before the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Opener KL Rahul injured his hand in practice. Rahul’s injury may prevent him from playing in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
The opener, in good form with the bat, looked uncomfortable as the team physio treated him. If Rahul is ruled out, Team India must adjust their playing XI for the crucial match. Here are three potential replacements for KL Rahul.
KL Rahul suffered a hand injury at the MCG nets today during practice session. #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/XH8sPiG8Gi
— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) December 21, 2024
3 Players Who Can Replace KL Rahul in the 4th Test
1.Debut for Abhimanyu Easwaran
The boldest choice would be to hand Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran his Test debut. Easwaran didn’t perform at his best in two unofficial Tests earlier this season. But, if India keeps Rohit in the middle order, they could try Easwaran as a proper opener.
Easwaran’s inclusion would keep a specialist opening pair. But, playing a debutant in such a crucial match could be a big gamble, especially with the series tied at 1-1.
2.Sarfaraz Khan Returns to Add Aggression
Another option is to recall Sarfaraz Khan. He last played for India in the series against New Zealand. Sarfaraz is known for his aggressive strok eplay. If Rohit opens with Yashasvi Jaiswal, he could fill the middle-order void.
The MCG’s true bounce could suit Sarfaraz’s attacking style. He would be a great asset in the lower-middle order. His role could be like Travis Head’s for Australia. It would add firepower to India’s lineup.
3.Rohit Opens, Dhruv Jurel at No. 6
A simple option for India would be to move skipper Rohit Sharma back to open. Then, bring in Dhruv Jurel for the middle order at No. 6.
Jurel, who kept wickets in the first Test in Perth, has been out of the playing XI for the second and third Tests. However, his inclusion at No. 6 could calm the middle order. Rohit’s MCG record makes him a reliable choice to open.
Key Question: Rohit as Opener or Middle-Order Stabilizer?
With the series evenly poised, India faces a strategic dilemma. Should they trust Rohit Sharma’s expertise at the top? Or, will they gamble on a less experienced option like Easwaran? Alternatively, if Rohit opens, the middle order could use Sarfaraz Khan or Dhruv Jurel.
India’s decision will affect the Boxing Day Test. It could also hurt the team’s momentum in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
