India vs Australia | India’s Predicted XI for the Adelaide Test
The probability of Virat Kohli and Co. rewriting history Down Under is huge when India take on Australia on their soil. But, history remembers winners, not those who fought in it, and India have to field a side that will get the job done regardless of the changing fortunes over the five days.
Openers
Murali Vijay- Vijay’s changing fortunes could perfectly sum up life’s uncertainty. His miserable form in England led to his drop from the side that was followed by a tussle with BCCI during the Windies series. While most others would have failed to come back after such setbacks, Vijay has lady luck on his side. Following Prithvi Shaw’s injury, Vijay’s ton against Cricket Australia XI has further cemented his place in the side.
KL Rahul- Now, this will surely be a make or break series for KL Rahul. We know that strong personalities have come forward to out their weight behind the ‘promising’ talent asking BCCI to assure him prolonged time to shake off the early jitters. But, nothing in this world is more common than unsuccessful men with talent and Rahul is fast moving to join that club with his string of underwhelming displays.
Middle-Order
Cheteshwar Pujara- With the top two batsmen not exuding the most positive of vibes to start the innings with, India
Virat Kohli- If going by recent reports where former and current Australian players have discussed nothing but how to deal with Virat Kohli over the next few months - then yes, he has been India’s biggest, and on many occasions, only hope. Kohli isn’t carrying any extra baggage that was the case prior to the series against South Africa and England. He has ruled in Australia before and it will just be a matter of habit for the skipper.
Ajinkya Rahane- Another epitome of inconsistency in the queue for the visitors, Rahane has a lot of potential but also an equal amount of uncertainty in his batting prowess. However, Rahane averages a good 57 in the land of the Kangaroos garnering 399 runs in four matches and if he is settled, then he could end up being Australia’s biggest problem. He looked to be in good touch in the warm-up match as well.
Rishabh Pant- The journey for India’s successor begins in a ring where MS Dhoni’s record is so bad that it is almost forgotten. Hence, Pant should have no pressure to fill in big shoes but has to make a place for himself in the Gen Y side. Pant is yet to be integrated into the Test side properly and the next five matches will assure that he gets acquainted with the rigours of the format completely.
© GettyRohit Sharma- The final and most important piece of the puzzle. However, picking him over Hanuma Vihari wasn’t a tough call given the venue is Adelaide Oval. With the curator describing the pitch as “fast and furious” where there will be green grass on the pitch, having a spinning all-rounder makes little sense. To top that, Rohit’s forte of hitting big shots against steeper trajectory should put him above Vihari any day at the Adelaide.
Bowlers
Ravichandran Ashwin- Adelaide is pace friendly and if there is one spinner whom Kohli would turn
Jasprit Bumrah- Probably one of those performers whom fans are waiting with huge anticipation. This would be the third overseas tour of Bumrah’s career as he approaches it at the back of two 14-wicket hauls in three matches in South Africa and England respectively. While he is more than probable to continue his glittering form in Australia too, he would need to improvise on the Adelaide track.
Mohammad Shami- India’s dark horse in the longest format, Shami doesn’t really reflect very poorly in Australia if compared to his previous figures in England. But, given the fact that the bowler came back from some disturbing personal problems to take 16 wickets in five matches in England this year at an average of 38.87, shows progress and alongside Ishant Sharma, he would be India’s biggest weapon of bouncers.
Ishant Sharma- This could be Ishant Sharma’s last Australian tour in national colours and he has to assure that