Border Gavaskar Trophy: How surprising is it to drop Shubman Gill from the India Playing XI?

Shubman Gill’s recent form in Test cricket has seen a noticeable decline, as evidenced in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Having featured in two Tests and batted across three innings, the talented young opener has managed to accumulate just 60 runs at an underwhelming average of 20, with a highest score of 31. Gill missed the opening Test due to a thumb injury, paving the way for Devdutt Padikkal to debut in Perth. Upon his return, Gill struggled to find his rhythm, raising concerns about his position in the playing XI. Adding to the team’s batting woes, skipper Rohit Sharma has also struggled to deliver in the middle order. This shift in his batting position was influenced by the decision to let an in-form KL Rahul open the innings. Rohit’s inability to perform consistently at No. 5 has left India’s batting order vulnerable, especially with pivotal matches looming in the series.

In a strategic reshuffle aimed at bolstering the bowling lineup with an extra spinner, the team management made the tough call to drop Gill for the fourth Test, allowing Rohit to reclaim his preferred spot at the top of the order. However, this decision raised eyebrows, particularly from former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar. Surprised by the omission of the young batter, Gavaskar suggested that an alternative change could have been explored, emphasizing that Gill’s talent and potential warranted more support from the team.

“Well, I think there was one change expected, but I’m a little bit surprised that they’ve dropped Shubman Gill and that they’ve taken Washington Sundar. No problem with Washington Sundar because he will bowl a lot. He will get to bowl a lot. But if Washington Sundar had to come in place of anybody, I thought it should have been in place of Nitish Kumar Reddy," said former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar in a recent interview. 

“If you’re batting at No. 8 and bowling about 10 overs, you’re not the fourth bowler that they’re looking for. But this looks like a very good batting line-up. At the moment, the top order hasn’t clicked. If the top order clicks, then India should be able to get loads of runs on this pitch," he added.

“If you’re batting at No. 8 and bowling about 10 overs, you’re not the fourth bowler that they’re looking for. But this looks like a very good batting line-up. At the moment, the top order hasn’t clicked. If the top order clicks, then India should be able to get loads of runs on this pitch," he added.

Australia won the toss and elected to bat first on a batting-friendly pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the highly anticipated Boxing Day Test. The hosts got off to a strong start, with debutant Sam Konstas impressing alongside seasoned opener Usman Khawaja. Both players showcased their resilience at the crease, each scoring valuable half-centuries to build a solid foundation. Marnus Labuschagne continued the momentum with another composed fifty, strengthening Australia’s position in the first innings.

However, India clawed their way back into the contest, led by a fiery spell from Jasprit Bumrah. The ace pacer demonstrated his class, claiming three crucial wickets to stem the flow of runs and dismantle Australia’s middle order. Bumrah's efforts, combined with disciplined bowling from the rest of the attack, ensured that the hosts couldn't fully capitalize on their early dominance. At stumps on Day 1, Australia stood at 311/6, with Steven Smith anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 68. Captain Pat Cummins provided support at the other end, remaining not out on 8. The day ended with both teams sensing an opportunity to take control on Day 2, setting the stage for an intriguing battle in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.