Sunil Gavaskar blocks Gautam Gambhir from dropping Akash Deep and Nitish Kumar Reddy

Speculation is rife about changes to India’s playing XI for the must-win Boxing Day Test of the ongoing 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, starting on December 26 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground Ground (MCG) in Melbourne.

Like the teams Gearing up for the crucial fourth Test in Melbourne, the Indian cricket team faces a major selection dilemma over its line-up, especially due to Ravichandran Ashwin’s unexpected retirement from international cricket after the Test of gabba

With the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy tied 1-1, changes to India’s playing XI are definitely on the cards, with young bowler Nitish Kumar Reddy even rumored to be dropped from the equipment to carry it. back second turn off-road Washington Sundar.

Sunil Gavaskar backs Nitish Kumar Reddy to retain spot for Boxing Day Test

Media reports claimed that Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar will play in the Boxing Day Test; thus, Nitish Kumar Reddy will have to make way for the Tamil Nadu star, but legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar feels that it will be a big mistake if the team management accepts this call.

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The former Indian captain strongly believes that Nitish Kumar Reddy should be in the India playing XI for the Boxing Day Test against Australia. Gavaskar believes that Reddy, as the fourth stringer, is crucial to the balance of the Indian cricket team and cannot be dropped from the XI.

The legendary Indian batsman has also stressed that India cannot afford to go into the must-win Test match of the ongoing five-match Test. series with just two paces, he predicted that the Gabba Test line-up should remain unchanged for the Melbourne encounter.

They can’t let go Nitish Kumar Reddy: Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar told Star Sports ahead of the fourth Test at the MCG: “They can’t drop Nitish Kumar Reddy. He’s the fourth seamer. I don’t see India going in with just two pacers and Nitish. For me, it’s pretty this XI that plays in Melbourne.”

Meanwhile, Sunil Gavaskar also rejected the idea of ​​deputizing Akash Deep with Harshit Rana for the crucial fourth Test against Australia at the MCG.

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However, Akash Deep’s bowling in Brisbane was unremarkable, with figures of 3/123, but his 31 runs from 44 balls at No.11 was crucial in helping India avoid the follow-on and secure a draw against Australia in the third Test. at the Gabba

Harshit Rana is unlikely to replace Akash Deep: Sunil Gavaskar

The legendary batsman feels that Harshit Rana is unlikely to replace Akash Deep, especially after the pacer played a key role in the follow-on. He thought that dropping Akash would be pointless. Gavaskar signed off by saying, “Harshit is unlikely to replace Akash Deep. Why would you drop a man who has saved your team from the chase?”

Also, the Indian team is also considering changes to the top order for the upcoming Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Rohit Sharma could return to open, and KL Rahul could move to No.3, with Shubman Gill facing the axe, having been struggling with the bat Down Under.