Rohit Dropped, Nitish Reddy to Replace Kohli: India’s Strongest XI for 5th Test vs Australia
India’s campaign in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been full of highs and lows. Despite a dominant win in the Perth Test, India faltered in Adelaide, salvaged a rain-hit draw in Brisbane, and succumbed to batting woes in Melbourne. As the series hangs in the balance, a revamped playing XI could be key for the all-important fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma continuing to struggle, here’s India’s strongest possible XI for the decider.
KL Rahul to Open as Rohit Sharma Steps Down
Rohit Sharma’s recent run in Test cricket has been abysmal. Averaging just 11.07 in his last 14 innings, the Indian captain’s struggles have not only affected his personal performances but also disrupted the team’s batting order. His return at the top after a middle-order stint in Gabba backfired, unsettling KL Rahul, who had been thriving as an opener alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal.
With Rohit Sharma likely to step down, KL Rahul should return to his preferred opening slot. His partnership with Jaiswal in Perth was a highlight of the series, and reinstating it could provide the solidity India desperately needs at the top.
Nitish Reddy to Replace Kohli at No. 4
Virat Kohli’s extended rough patch in Test cricket continues to hurt India. With an average of just over 31 since 2020, the once-reliable middle-order stalwart has been undone by consistent struggles against deliveries outside off-stump.
India should seize this opportunity to promote rising star Nitish Kumar Reddy to the No. 4 spot. The Hyderabad all-rounder has impressed with his technique and temperament, particularly during his valiant century in Melbourne under pressure. Moving Reddy up the order would maximize his potential and give India a fresh approach to building their innings.
Shubman Gill Back at No. 3
Shubman Gill’s return to the XI is a no-brainer if Rohit Sharma sits out. Gill, who has had success at No. 3, can stabilize the top order and provide an anchor role between the openers and the middle order.
Mohammed Siraj Out, Harshit Rana In
Mohammed Siraj’s inconsistency has been a recurring concern throughout the series. His high economy rate has allowed Australian batters to capitalize on his erratic lines. India should consider giving Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna an opportunity. Both bowlers are adept at hitting the deck hard and offer a fresh dynamic to India’s pace attack.
India’s Strongest Playing XI for the 5th Test
Here’s India’s ideal XI for the series decider at SCG:
- KL Rahul
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shubman Gill
- Nitish Reddy
- Rishabh Pant (WK)
- Dhruv Jurel
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar
- Jasprit Bumrah (C)
- Akash Deep
- Harshit Rana / Prasidh Krishna
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli struggling for form, India must make bold changes to stay competitive in the final Test. Promoting Nitish Reddy and re-establishing KL Rahul as an opener could rejuvenate the batting lineup, while fresh faces in the bowling department might provide the edge India needs to regain control of the series.
