IND vs AUS: Indian World Cup-winning skipper Rohit Sharma and his wife Ritika Sajdeh welcomed their second child on the 15th of November. As suggested by reports, Rohit and his family expected the delivery to be close to the Test match dates in Perth, which implied that the captain would miss the Perth test. 



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Former Indian captain <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sourav_Ganguly">Sourav Ganguly</a> recently appeared for an interview where he splurged on many facts related to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and addressed the leadership role as well. He desired Rohit Sharma?s presence in the Perth Test, as Ganguly said that India would need Rohit Sharma, the skipper, to play the first test as India would have a deep urge from their leadership. He said Sharma should now be heading to Perth as soon as possible, his second child having taken birth much ahead of the first test. 



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 "I hope Rohit Sharma goes very soon because the team needs leadership. I believe his wife delivered a baby boy yesterday night, so I am sure he can leave. He can leave as early as possible, and if I were in his position, he should be playing the Perth Test," 
<cite>Ganguly remarked to RevSportz</cite></blockquote>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">India faces an early struggle with the Batting Order ahead of the BGT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/11/Padikkal-has-been-asked-to-stay-with-the-Indian-side-min-1024x768.png" alt="" class="wp-image-149537" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shubman Gill is injured - might be replaced by Padikkal (Image Credit: X.com)</figcaption></figure>



India already struggled early regarding the same, as likes of Rohit Sharma are to miss the opening test, as reports have claimed Rohit will be back with the Indian side from the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India faced another major setback in Shubman Gill being ruled out of the first test at Perth due to his thumb injury in the practice session. Abhimanyu Easwaran has been named as a new addition to India?s BGT squad, with KL Rahul also considered an ideal player for the opening spot. As of recent reports, Devdutt Padikkal has been asked to remain in Australia as a backup for the Indian team after he ended his stint with the India A team. For now, reports have confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah will be seen in the role of India?s test captain in the first test at Perth, due to the unavailability of Rohit Sharma. While Nitish Kumar Reddy is expected to make his debut in the first test.



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ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-aus-this-star-indian-batter-has-been-ruled-out-of-the-first-test-match-against-australia/">IND vs AUS: This Star Indian batter has been ruled out of the first test match against Australia</a>



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IND vs AUS: Former Indian captain sheds light on Rohit?s expected return as Team India is in need of leadership at the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25|

IND vs AUS: Former Indian captain sheds light on Rohit?s expected return as Team India is in need of leadership at the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

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IND vs AUS: Nitish Kumar Reddy earned his Test debut in the opening match of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 at the Optus Stadium in Perth. From there onwards, he has not looked behind and has been a revelation down the order with the bat. He has batted at number seven and has been the fourth seamer in the side. Reddy has scored 163 runs in four innings so far at an average of 54.33 and a strike-rate of 87.17. He has also picked up two wickets with the ball.

India won the first Test match in Perth but lost the second in Adelaide against the Pink Ball. So, there are expected to be some changes going into the third Test in Brisbane starting on December 14. Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar remarked that Nitish Kumar Reddy possesses exceptional batting talent, which is evident. He suggested that Reddy’s talent might even improve when facing higher-quality bowling. Manjrekar also noted that while Reddy hasn’t scored many runs in first-class cricket, his rare batting talent is unmistakable.

<h2 dir="ltr">What did Sanjay Manjrekar say about Nitish Kumar Reddy?</h2>
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“Exceptional batting talent there, and you can see it. Maybe the kind of batting talent that gets better with higher-quality bowling. He hasn’t got many runs in first-class cricket, but you can see the rare batting talent there,” he commented.

Manjrekar stated that India needs to consider the balance of their team. He pointed out that they must work on sharpening their bowling while also addressing their batting concerns. He acknowledged that Nitish has shown some promise recently. He also mentioned that someone had suggested playing Nitish purely as a batter, but he felt this could be a bit risky and perhaps premature.

“India also has to think about the balance of the team. India also have to look to make their bowling sharper along with solving the batting issues. Nitish has shown some spark at the moment. Somebody suggested, what about playing him as a pure batter in the side. Bit risky, bit too early”, he added.

Team India lost the second Test in Adelaide by 10 wickets and might bring in Akash Deep in Brisbane. However, it remains to be seen if they bring him in for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitish_Kumar_Reddy">Nitish Kumar Reddy</a> or Harshit Rana. Gabba is one of the fastest and bounciest wickets in the world. So, it might be an all-pace attack in the next test.

ALSO READ:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/Michael-Vaughan-suggests-a-new-idea-to-revolutionize-Test-cricket/"> Ex-English captain suggests new idea to revolutionize test cricket </a>

IND vs AUS: Former India cricketer wants Nitish Kumar Reddy to be dropped in Brisbane despite stellar performances

Ex-Indian cricketer and analyst Sanjay Manjrekar recently startled all with the remark of not considering Nitish Kumar Reddy in the playing 11 for the upcoming BGT fixture at the Gabba.

IND vs AUS: “Bit risky, bit too early”, Former India cricketer wants Nitish Kumar Reddy to be dropped in Brisbane despite stellar performances

IND-vs-AUS:-“Bit-risky,-bit-too-early”,-Former-India-cricketer-wants-Nitish-Kumar-Reddy-to-be-dropped-in-Brisbane-despite-stellar-performances

IND vs AUS: India are gearing up for the fourth test against Australia. This clash will be hosted at the iconic venue, Melbourne Cricket Stadium, starting on December 26, and this will be the showcase Boxing Day Test of the series. The series is level at 1-1 with two more games to play. 
India have been under the pump as they have failed with the bat continuously in the last two games. Australia have made necessary changes to their squad for the remaining games. India might also look to make changes in their playing XI.
The tick is on Nitish Reddy, and some rumors confirm that Washington Sundar will be replacing him. This could also be a strategy looking at the pitch. Here, we will talk about three top reasons why Sundar can be a better option than Reddy for the MCG test. 
<h2>IND vs AUS 4th Test: Three reasons why Washington Sundar is better option than Nitish Kumar Reddy for the MCG test</h2>
1. Off Spin against Left-handers
Nitish Kumar Reddy has three wickets in three games at an average of 41.33. He has been as effective as India would have liked. That's where Washington Sundar can come into play with his off-spin. Travis Head has thrashed India in the last two games with two blistering centuries. That's when his off-spin can come into play. Head and Alex Carey are two in-form batters, and his off-spin can help India contain them.
2. Perfect assistance for Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja played the third game but couldn't take a wicket. But he scored important runs with the bat. Jadeja bowls left-arm spin wicket-to-wicket, and with Sundar, he can make a great pair. Sundar will assist him with his off-spin, which can be very helpful. The off-spinner is known for breaking partnerships, and that's where India can benefit from his inclusion in the IND vs AUS 4th Test.
3. Better All-round options for India
Nitish Reddy is a batting all-rounder who has performed as his traits. He has scored runs down the order but, with the ball, hasn't picked up wickets. That's where Washington Sundar can be very effective. The surface at MCG in recent times has helped spin a bit in the last couple of days. Sundar can be very good. Furthermore, he is also a good batter if the pitch is slow. His all-round ability can be more fruitful for India than Reddy at the MCG.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/what-is-boxing-day-test-check-out-india-s-overall-record-in-boxing-day-test-matches/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What is Boxing Day Test? Check out India's overall record in Boxing Day Test Matches</a>

The fourth test between India and Australia will start on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Washington Sundar might make his entry into the playing XI in place of Nitish Kumar Reddy.

3 Solid Reasons Why Washington Sundar is a Better All-Rounder than Nitish Reddy for the MCG Test

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IND vs AUS 4th Test: The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is evenly level at 1-1 after the first three tests. The showpiece Boxing Day Test will begin on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Stadium. India had some momentum from the third test after the spirited fight they showed with the bat at the Gabba.
But still, they will be the underdog here. India need win to retain the BGT trophy and also to stay alive in the race for the World Test Championship final. Hence, India are looking to make some changes to their playing XI. The biggest change will be the Indian captain Rohit Sharma going back to the top with Yashavi Jasiwal.
Some media reports confirm that KL Rahul is likely to drop to No. 3 in the batting order. But apart from the batting change, India are also looking to make some change to their bowling unit. They have gone with a three-pacer and one-spinner strategy in the first three tests with Nitish Kumar Reddy as the fourth seamer. But there is a possibility that they might go with two spinners.
<h2>IND vs AUS 4th Test: India are likely to go with two spinners in Playing XI for the Boxing Day Test</h2>
The fourth test is a must-win contest for Team India in many ways. That is why they will look to put the best possible playing XI that can win them the game. India have won the last two games at this venue against Australia. So, they have a decent record at this venue.
With Rohit to open and Rahul to play at no. 3, there are chances that Shubman Gill might have to sit out. Gill has had some starts, but he couldn't convert those into a big one. He has scored 60 runs in three innings. The report from the Times of India suggests that Gill might be axed.
India will go with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar as the two spinning options along with three pacers. However, there is no clarity on Gill's inclusion, but if he gets into the playing XI, then his batting position might be a question. However, if India think to keep him in the team, it will be Nitish Kumar Reddy to be left out.
Reddy was picked as a fourth-seaming option who can bat at no. 8. He had a brilliant series so far with the bat, scoring 179 runs in five innings at an average of 44.75. But with the ball, he has been able to support other bowlers. Reddy has only taken three wickets.
It will be a big call to drop Reddy, who has played some crucial innings under pressure and performed well. The decision of adding two spinners might backfire as the MCG pitch is likely to assist the pacers more. There is a lot going on in the Indian camp, but one thing is sure: Rohit will be opening the innings in the fourth test.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/3-player-battles-to-watch-out-for-in-the-fourth-ind-vs-aus-test-at-the-mcg/">3 Player Battles to Watch out for in the Fourth IND vs AUS Test at the MCG</a>

The fourth Test between India and Australia will be played between December 26 and 30 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Unlucky Reddy to be dropped as India are set to pick two spinners for the Boxing Day Test

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Nitish Kumar Reddy has made history. The third day of the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground has ended with the visitors fighting hard to survive in the game. They are still trailing by 116 runs with only one wicket left in the tank.
But it was the 21-year-old Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has made headlines with a Boxing Day century at the MCG. After a number of 30s and 40s earlier in the series, the 21-year-old finally reached his maiden test fifty. But he didn't stop there and stitched a crucial partnership with Washington Sundar, who also played well.
The duo took India past the follow-on score and kept India in the game. Sundar got out after his fifty, and Jasprit Bumrah backed a duck. But it was all determination by Reddy, who succeeded in getting his maiden test century, and what a time and place to get to the triple figure. With his century, he achieved multiple records.
<h2>IND vs AUS 4th Test: Nitish Kumar Reddy made history with his Boxing Day Ton at the MCG</h2>
At the end of Day 3, India are 358/9, with Reddy unbeaten on 105 runs with 10 fours and one six while Mohammed Siraj is on 2 not out. Reddy's hundred came at a crucial time as he came out to bat when India were 221/7. But it was a breakthrough innings for the youngsters. He played some beautiful shots and kept the scoreboard ticking.
When he reached 88 runs, he went past Anil Kumble and registered the highest score by an Indian on Australian soil, batting at no. 8. With his century now, he is the first Indian batter to slam a century batting at No. 8. This is not all. The 21-year-old has hit 8 sixes in the series so far. With this, he has hit the joint-most sixes in a test series on Australian soil.
Michael Vaughan (2002-03 Ashes) and Chris Gayle (2009-10) have hit 8 sixes each in a test series in Australia. Nitish Kumar Reddy still have some innings left, and if he can hit one more six, he will make history. Adding to that, Reddy had an exciting celebration. After reaching fifty, he celebrated in the famous "Pushpa" movie style.
However, after his century, he celebrated in "Bahubali" style, which tells about the great character of the youngster. With one wicket left, India will look to eat up Australia's lead. There are still two days left in the game, and India will look to take time. Sundar also played well for his half-century and added 127 runs for the 8th wicket.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/yashasvi-jaiswal-went-past-virat-kohli-to-join-sachin-tendulkar-in-an-elite-list-of-indians-with-his-glorious-82-at-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yashasvi Jaiswal went past Virat Kohli to join Sachin Tendulkar in an elite list of Indians with his glorious 82 at MCG</a>

Nitish Kumar Reddy slammed his maiden Test ton in the ongoing Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Nitish Kumar Reddy scripts history; breaks multiple records with his Boxing Day Ton at MCG

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India all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy achieved a massive feat after his sensational performance with the bat in the ongoing fourth Test against Australia. The right-hander became the third youngest player from India to hit a century in Australia. He joined the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rishabh Pant in the elite list.
Nitish Kumar Reddy came up with a blistering effort with the bat in Melbourne. When the chips were down, he came up with a magical effort and stood tall for his team when they needed him the most. The all-rounder bailed the team out of trouble and brought them back into the game. 
<h2>Nitish Kumar Reddy came to bat after India was under massive pressure</h2>
Nitish Kumar Reddy came to bat after India was under massive pressure, having lost both Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja early on Day two. The all-rounder proved his prowess with the bat as he hit the bowlers all over the park en route to his maiden century in the longest format of the game. 
Nitish Kumar Reddy showed great discipline and made sure that he took his team close to the total of Australia. His innings came at a time when India was facing the threat of follow-on as they had lost 7 wickets in no time, and the hosts were all over them. 
Nitish Reddy, along with Washington Sundar, made sure that India made a strong comeback and frustrated the Australian bowlers. While the left-hander slammed a glorious half-century, the right-hander went on to hit a blistering century in tough conditions. The duo together added 127 runs to stage the Indian comeback. 
Nitish Kumar Reddy, with his maiden ton, also became the first player from India to score a century in Australia while batting at No.8 in Tests. He would want to double his effort and take his team to a comfortable position. A lot of Indian hopes would be on him tomorrow, especially after his effort on day three.
Nitish was unbeaten at 105 runs at the stumps on Day three. He would be keen to add more runs to his tally and reduce the deficit under 100 runs, which is currently his 116 runs. It remains to be seen how much can he score on Day four.
Also read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/gautam-gambhir-and-rohit-sharma-ordered-to-drop-mohammed-siraj-following-his-worst-performance-/">Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma ordered to drop Mohammed Siraj following his worst performance</a>

India all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy achieved a massive feat after his sensational performance with the bat in the ongoing fourth Test against Australia.

Nitish Kumar Reddy scripts history; becomes third  youngest Indian player to…

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India batter Nitish Kumar Reddy has made the whole country proud after his sensational innings with the bat in the fourth game of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The match between the teams is taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. 
Nitish Kumar Reddy slammed his maiden Test ton, and it came at a time when India was under massive pressure. The all-rounder looked in terrific touch with the bat and didn't put a foot wrong, which brought the Rohit Sharma-led side back in the game with his incredible effort. 
Almost every Indian fan, as well as the Indian players, stood up and applauded the batter for his innings. This was because, being the 21-year-old, the all-rounder was better than almost every Indian batter and racked up ton in front of his family.
While his family was in tears, a prominent figure in Indian cricket, Ravi Shastri, was also in tears. The former Indian head coach was commentating, and Nitish Kumar Reddy slammed his ton and was seen crying when the batter achieved his milestone. The video went viral, and you can see below the article. 
Coming to the match, India made a slight comeback on Day three of the ongoing fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 after being dominated for two days. Overnight batters Rishabh Pant (28) and Ravindra Jadeja (17) did all the hard work in the first hour of day three after India resumed at 165 for five. 
However, after that both the batters perished with visitors under pressure at 221 for seven. It was then when Nitish Kumar Reddy (105*) and Washington Sundar (50) joined hands and bailed India out of trouble and put Australia under massive pressure. 
The Nitish-Washington duo added 127 runs to put Australia under pressure. While the Southpaw was back after a fifty, Nitish hit his maiden Test century as India ended Day three on high. At stumps, India was 358 for nine, trailing by 116 runs. 
The Indian team would be hoping that Nitish Kumar Reddy bats longer and helps his team reduce the deficit under 100. His innings tomorrow will be extremely important for the team in the context of the ongoing match.
Also read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/gautam-gambhir-and-rohit-sharma-ordered-to-drop-mohammed-siraj-following-his-worst-performance-/">Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma ordered to drop Mohammed Siraj following his worst performance</a>
<h2>Watch: Ravi Shastri gets emotional as Nitish Kumar Reddy slams his maiden Test ton at MCG</h2>
Here is the video:

India batter Nitish Kumar Reddy has made the whole country proud after his sensational innings with the bat in the fourth game of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Watch: Ravi Shastri left in tears as Nitish Kumar Reddy slams a magnificent century at MCG

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Nitish Kumar Reddy has made history and has given India a hope to save or even win the ongoing Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Stadium. He struck his maiden Test ton which helped India save the follow-on and finish the day at 358/9. He became the 69th Indian batter to score a hundred on away soil.
His innings has kept India in the game, and the visitors have an outside chance. Nitish is unbeaten on 105 runs with 10 fours and one six. India are still trailing by 116 runs, but they are not far away. His century made the whole cricketing world praise him. He definitely silenced his critics who doubted his position in the playing XI.
<h2>IND vs AUS 4th Test: Puma slams Sanjay Manjrekar for his remark on Nitish Kumar Reddy's place in Playing XI</h2>
Nitish Kumar Reddy came out to bat when India lost Rishabh Pant at 191/6. He stretched an important partnership of 127 runs with Washington Sundar (50) for the 8th wicket. From there, Reddy played a matured knock and took risks when required and played cautiously when the pressure was on. With his hundred he became the first Indian batter to score a hundred at no. 8 on Australian soil.
His performance has not just earned him praise but also shut down all the critics. Notably, ahead of the MCG test, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar questioned Reddy's place in the playing XI. He said, "Does Reddy add value to this Indian side? Can we expect 120 runs from a No. 8 batter or, say, a 7-wicket haul like Shardul Thakur? At this stage, his bowling isn’t good enough, and his batting is too early to consider him a batting all-rounder.”
He also pointed out that India need specialist batter in place of Reddy. And what came as a special performance, the 21-year-old went on to slam an incredible century. His hundred has numerous reactions off the field. Famous sportswear brand PUMA Cricket also had a cheeky response to Manjrekar's remark with a tweet featuring Nitish Kumar Reddy in a "finger of the lips" pose.
The post suddenly caught the attention of the fans and spread like the fire in the woods. Reddy made a big difference with his impeccable knock, and India will hope that he can add a few more runs on Day 4 to take India to close to Australia's first-inning score. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/wtc-qualification-scenario-how-can-india-qualify-if-the-boxing-day-test-ends-in-a-draw-/">WTC Qualification Scenario: How can India qualify if the Boxing Day Test ends in a draw?</a>

Nitish Kumar Reddy slammed his maiden Test in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Stadium to help India reach close to Australia's score.

Sportswear brand Puma slams Sanjay Manjrekar on "Nitish to be dropped" remark after Reddy's spectacular Boxing Day Ton 

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Batting great Sunil Gavaskar gave a massive suggestion to the Indian team going forward in Test cricket. He said that the Rohit Sharma-led should keep an eye on Venkatesh Iyer for the red-ball cricket as he can be handy for the team. 
India hasn't been blessed with as many fast-bowling all-rounders as they would've wanted. After Kapil Dev, it was Hardik Pandya who took the mantle and has been doing a staggering job for the team in the white-ball cricket but his fitness hasn't supported him at all. 
Hardik Pandya played a few Tests for India but couldn't carry on in the format. The all-rounder last played in 2018 and, after that, has been focusing on white-ball cricket after that, India tried Shardul Thakur, and although he did a decent job, the quality wasn't there, and he was dropped. 
India now has included Nitish Kumar Reddy in the team and the all-rounder has been doing a great job in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He has shown great promise with the bat as he also slammed a magnificent century and helped the team tackle the trouble. 
But it's fair to say that the quality of the ball still has been lacking. Nitish Kumar Reddy hasn't been the best with the ball and hasn't bowled well, which has put an extra burden on Jasprit Bumrah, who has bowled around 140 overs in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. 
<h2>India must also keep an eye on Venkatesh Iyer, who can be another fine all-rounder and is a left-hander to bat - Sunil Gavaskar</h2>
Amid the debate around all-rounder, Sunil Gavaskar has suggested the name of Venkatesh Iyer, claiming that he can be a fine all-rounder for the team. He also pointed out that he played in the county. Writing in his column, he explained: 
"India must also keep an eye on Venkatesh Iyer, who can be another fine all-rounder and is a left-hander to bat. His bowling too can do with some work, but he has played in England and can be a very good option to have there," Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sportstar. 
Venkatesh Iyer has already made his India debut, having played two ODIs and nine T20Is. He also played for Lancashire in the England summer earlier this year.
Also Read:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/indian-cricket-team-india-s-full-test-cricket-schedule-in-2025-they-will-face-these-teams/#google_vignette"> </a><a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/indian-cricket-team-india-s-full-test-cricket-schedule-in-2025-they-will-face-these-teams/#google_vignette">Indian Cricket: Team India's full Test Cricket schedule in 2025, they will face these teams</a>

Batting great Sunil Gavaskar gave a massive suggestion to the Indian team going forward in Test cricket.

Not Hardik Pandya or Nitish Reddy, Sunil Gavaskar wants this fast-bowling all-rounder for Tests

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The fifth and final test between India and Australia started on Friday at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The first day has completed, but the biggest story is the Indian captain, Rohit Sharma. The 37-year-old opted to sit out for the final test, and Jasprit Bumrah led in his absence.
His decision has raised concerns over his future in the Indian test team as he is also going through a very bad phase with the bat. However, according to some media reports, Rohit has played his last test for India at the MCG and might not return in white. The report from Indian Express indicates that selectors are looking beyond Rohit in test cricket.
There are chances that the Indian captain might announce his retirement after the ongoing SCG test. If it happens, India need someone to bat at the top or replace him. Here we will talk about three possible replacements for Rohit Sharma in tests.
<h2>Three Players who can replace Rohit Sharma in whites if he retires after the SCG test</h2>
1. Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill started as an opener in tests but shifted to no. 3 after India dropped Cheteshwar Pujara. But his numbers at no. 3 haven't done justice to his decision. India might need someone solid at the top, and Gill presents that technique. He can shift to the top of the order if Rohit retires from tests. He will give India a right-hand and left-hand option at the top with Yashasvi Jaiswal.
2. Abhimanyu Easwaran
Just like many Indian stars, Abhimanyu Easwaran is another name that has been knocking on the door of the Indian test side for the last couple of years now. He has been included in the squad many times but is still looking to get his maiden cap. He is a prolific scorer at the domestic level and is a gifted top-order batter. If given a chance, he can be a solid top-order batter. India can groom him into a good option to replace Rohit Sharma.
3. Nitish Kumar Reddy
This could be an out-of-the-box choice, but Nitish Kumar Reddy has certainly shown great composure for India in the ongoing BGT series. He has scored 294 runs at an average of 42 and is the third highest scorer in the series. He has shown that he has good technique to handle the bounce and pace. Currently, Reddy batting at no. 8 is not ideal for a talented batter like him. Just like Sam Konstas for Australia, he can be a fearless top-order batter if given a chance.

Rohit Sharma was dropped from the playing XI for the fifth and final test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

3 Players who can replace Rohit Sharma at the top if he announces his retirement after the SCG Test

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The IPL has witnessed explosive batting performances, with some players maintaining exceptional strike rates. Their fearless approach, power-hitting skills, and game-changing abilities make them invaluable assets in the fast-paced T20 format.

TOP 5 Players With Highest Strike Rate In IPL History

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Argentina vs Brazil Highlights : Argentina Crushes Brazil 4-1 in Dominant FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier Showdown

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The 5th T20I between New Zealand and Pakistan is on March 26 at Sky Stadium, Wellington. New Zealand leads 3-1 after a dominant win in the 4th match, powered by Bracewell’s quickfire 46* and Duffy’s 4-wicket haul. The pitch favors batting first, with pacers getting more help. Weather is mostly clear with slight rain chances. Top Dream11 picks include Seifert, Allen, Bracewell, and Duffy, with Salman Ali Agha and Bracewell as captaincy options

PAK vs NZ 5th T20 Dream 11 Prediction: Best player picks, captaincy choices and match details

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Punjab Kings defeated Gujarat Titans in a high-scoring thriller. Skipper Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 97 powered PBKS to a massive total, while GT’s valiant chase fell short at 232.

Shreyas Iyer's Winning Start for Punjab Kings! Check Updated IPL 2025 Points Table After GT vs PBKS, 5th Match

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NZ vs PAK: The fifth T20I between New Zealand and Pakistan will be played on 26 March at Wellington’s Sky Stadium, which has hosted 22 T20Is—10 won batting first, 12 chasing. The average first-innings score is 153, but high totals like NZ’s 219/6 and successful chases like Australia’s 216 show it can be a batting-friendly ground. Key performers here include Martin Guptill (453 runs) and Ish Sodhi (17 wickets). With chasing slightly favored and spinners often influential, the match could hinge on whether Pakistan’s batters or New Zealand’s home advantage proves decisive.

nitish kumar reddy