The much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series is set to begin on November 22, with India and Australia ready to renew their iconic rivalry. This series holds particular intrigue as it may mark the last time players like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin face each other in Test cricket. With just over a week to go, India’s selection committee is grappling with a major dilemma as skipper Rohit Sharma is likely to miss the Perth opener due to personal reasons.
Suresh Raina’s wildcard suggestion for Yashasvi Jaiswal’s opening partner
Rohit’s absence has left India searching for a suitable replacement to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Jaiswal and Rohit have formed a reliable opening pair over the last 14 Test matches, making the decision crucial for India’s stability at the top. While Abhimanyu Easwaran, the designated backup opener in the original 18-man squad, appeared the front-runner for the role, KL Rahul‘s recent stint as an opener for India-A has introduced another option.
Meanwhile, former Indian batter Suresh Raina has thrown a wildcard suggestion into the mix, advocating for Dhruv Jurel, who he believes could bring the much-needed “x-factor” for India in Australia. Jurel’s impressive knocks of 80 and 68 under challenging conditions for India-A at the MCG have made him a viable contender.
“KL Rahul has a lot of experience. Not to forget, Dhruv Jurel. You never know, they might ask him to open also. It can happen. The coach has to take the call. Jurel can be the X-factor that India are looking for in Australia. You can try him in the first Test. I know when Rohit Sharma comes back, he will open but why not give a chance to a youngster who has done really well (in the second unofficial Test between India A and Australia A in Melbourne),” Raina was quoted as saying by the Times of India.
Also READ: Brett Lee picks an Indian batter who will be ‘attacked’ by Australian pacers in BGT 2024-25
The case for the X-factor for India
Jurel, who debuted earlier in the year against England, has demonstrated both resilience and composure under pressure. His gritty performance at the MCG came when India-A had lost four wickets early in both innings, showcasing his ability to weather difficult situations with solid defensive technique and selective aggression.
Raina highlighted Jurel’s patience and adaptability, which are crucial for handling the swinging Kookaburra ball in Australian conditions. Raina’s endorsement stems from Jurel’s consistent ability to stabilize innings, as shown against top-tier bowlers. This adaptability could make him a valuable asset as India faces a potent Australian bowling attack .
“The Kookaburra ball stays new (for a while). Jurel showed patience. His defensive technique is very solid. When he played aggressively, he came up with a couple of good shots. I think they should consider him as an opener when Rohit is not there. KL Rahul is also an option, but as you said, he is not in form. That is something Bumrah (stand-in captain for Perth if Rohit is unavailable) will have to think about. As a captain, I think he can take that call,” Raina concluded.
The other contenders: KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran
Despite his recent struggles with form, Rahul remains an option due to his extensive experience and past success as an opener. He recently opened for India-A, possibly as a preparation for this very scenario. As a seasoned Test player, Rahul brings a level of experience and adaptability that could be valuable in Australia’s challenging conditions.
Easwaran, known for his sound technique and patience, has long been a contender for the Test opening role. At 29, Easwaran is still waiting for his Test debut but has been consistent in domestic cricket, which earned him a place in the squad. If the selectors prioritize stability, Easwaran could be a reliable choice, especially in Rohit’s absence.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Michael Vaughan predicts two key battles that can shape the BGT 2024-25 outcome
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