The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 has already delivered its share of intense moments in its initial phase, with Australia suffered one of their worst-ever defeats in Tests on home soil, with Pat Cummins‘ team losing the series opener by 295 runs at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Monday, November 25. This result has been a huge blow to Australia, as they were unable to match India’s commanding performance.

Key developments for India: Pink ball test in Adelaide

Looking ahead to the second Test, scheduled at the Adelaide Oval on December 6, India are preparing for some key changes. The return of Rohit Sharma, confirmed to be fit and available for the match, will bring a fresh dynamic to the Indian lineup. Rohit’s availability is expected to lead to changes in India’s playing XI, particularly in the batting order.

Rohit is expected to return as an opener, partnering with Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top of the order. This move could push KL Rahul into a middle-order role, replacing Dhruv Jurel, who failed to impress with the bat in the both the innings at Perth,  in the lineup. Rahul, who had been moved up the order to open the innings in Perth due to Rohit’s absence, is likely to be moved back down the order to accommodate the return of the regular captain.

Performance for India in absence of Rohit Sharma

Rahul, a makeshift opener for India in the first Test, didn’t disappoint with his performances. Having started his cricket career as an opener, Rahul has been shuffled through different positions in the batting order throughout his career. In recent times, Rahul had found a permanent spot in the middle order, but with Rohit missing the first Test of the BGT 2024-25, Rahul was once again moved up to open the batting.

In the first innings of the Perth Test, Rahul scored a solid 26 before being controversially given out caught behind. However, he came back strongly in the second innings, scoring an excellent 77 runs, providing India with a solid start. Despite Rahul’s good form as an opener, his role in the second Test is now uncertain, as Rohit’s return is expected to see Rahul shift back to the middle order. Rahul’s ability to adapt to different positions in the batting order has kept him in contention for a place in the playing XI, but he is likely to lose his opening spot.

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India’s victorious side in the Perth Test

In the absence of regular captain Rohit, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been leading India in the first Test at Perth. Bumrah has been superb both individually and as a captain. His leadership has been impressive, and he has delivered exceptional performances on the field. Bumrah picked up a five-wicket haul in the first innings, proving his worth as one of the best fast bowlers in world cricket. With Rahul performing well in Rohit’s absence, there will be added pressure on Rohit to deliver in the upcoming matches. India’s captain hasn’t been in the best of forms in red-ball cricket recently, and the return to form will be critical for India as they aim to build on their dominant performance in the series opener.

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