India vs Australia | India’s Predicted XI for the Adelaide Test

Openers

Middle-Order

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.

Rohit 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.

Ravichandran Ashwin- Adelaide is pace friendly and if there is one spinner whom Kohli would turn to, when the track shows sheer disobedience to turn, it is Ashwin. And this is not because of the spinners brilliant record down under, but Ashwin’s ability to adapt to adversity. He has averaged 54.71 with the ball in Australia but it has been three years since he has played there and he has purged out a great bowler since then.

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.

Ishant Sharma- This could be Ishant Sharma’s last Australian tour in national colours and he has to assure that he end it on a positive note. Given how under average he has always panned out at Adelaide, Sharma would have to bring all his experience to give India the edge with the old ball. After an impressive start in the venue back in 2008, where he had taken three wickets, he has managed two more wickets in four matches. But, Kohli would hope that the 30-year-old extends his England form in Australia too.