"It will be a hard call" - Adam Gilchrist on the possibility of India leaving out KL Rahul for 2nd BGT 2024-25 Test after Rohit Sharma's return
Former Australia keeper-batter Adam Gilchrist reckons that India will find it extremely difficult to leave out KL Rahul from the playing XI for the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 Test in Adelaide even if both Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are available. He, however, added it is too early to speculate since there is no confirmation of either Rohit or Gill being ready for the second Test.
Rohit missed the Perth Test for the birth of his second child, while Gill picked up a thumb injury ahead of the opening Test against Australia. As a result, Rahul, who was dropped for the last two Tests at home against New Zealand, was asked to open the batting in Perth. He scored 26 in the first innings before being given out controversially and is batting on 62 in the second innings.
During an interaction on Cricbuzz, Gilchrist acknowledged that axing Rahul from the playing XI after his efforts in Perth would be harsh. He opined that India would only go down that path if they felt that doing so would make the team stronger.
"KL Rahul is versatile enough to fill any number of those roles. If he's left out after what he's achieved in this series [Test], it will be a tough leave out. It will be a hard call. You would assume that they would only do it they felt that they are making the Indian team stronger for it," the 53-year-old Aussie legend said.
"Nice options for India to have. We need to see what happens with Shubman Gill - how quickly that injury can heal. What Rohit's mindset is when he turns up. Does he come and allow himself a bit more time to be ready for say the third Test at The Gabba? So many variables in there. It's purely speculation at the moment," Gilchrist opined.
As per reports, skipper Rohit is expected to join the Indian team in Perth soon. In his absence, lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah was named captain for the ongoing first Test against Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal have got India off to a brilliant start in the 2nd innings in Perth
After India were bowled out for 150 in their first innings, they hit back to restrict the Aussies to 104 courtesy of Bumrah's five-fer and debutant pacer Harshit Rana's three-wicket haul.
Having gained a handy 46-run lead in the first innings, Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal made a brilliant start for India in the second innings. They added an unbroken 172 in 57 overs, with Jaiswal returning unbeaten on 90.