There are reports that India are likely to replace Akash Deep with Harshit Rana in the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. However, Sunil Gavaskar has rejected such stories, saying the team management can’t remove a player who saved a follow-on in the third Test. The series is levelled at 1-1, and the remaining two games will decide the winner.
After losing the series opener by 295 runs in Perth, Australia have dominated India in Adelaide and Brisbane. The visitors lost the second contest by 10 wickets while rain saved them from a defeat at the Gabba.
“It is highly unlikely that Harshit will replace Akash Deep. Why would you drop a player who saved you from follow-on in the previous Test?”
Akash took three wickets and scored 31 off 44 balls at No.11, helping India avoid a follow-on.
Gavaskar doesn’t want India to play second spinner in place of Nitish Kumar Reddy.
“They can’t drop Nitish Kumar Reddy. He is the fourth fast bowler. I can’t see India playing just two seamers and Nitish. For me, they will retain the playing XI of the last game,” he added.
Nitish is averaging almost 45 with the bat in three Tests but has picked up just three wickets. Indian spinners have done well at the MCG, and there is a possibility of Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar playing in the contest.
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Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has expressed his disbelief at the possibility of Team India dropping a player who saved them from follow-on in the third Test against Australia. In a recent interview, Gavaskar reacted to the news of potential changes in the Indian squad for the fourth Test match.
Gavaskar highlighted the importance of the player who played a crucial role in preventing India from facing the follow-on in the previous Test match. He emphasized that dropping such a player would not only be unjust but also a disservice to the team.
“You can’t drop a player who saved you from follow-on. It’s important to recognize and appreciate the efforts of such players, especially in a crucial Test match like the one we just witnessed,” Gavaskar stated.
The legendary cricketer also urged the Indian team management to carefully consider their decision and not make any hasty changes based on one-off performances. He stressed the need for consistency and stability in the team lineup, especially in crucial matches like the upcoming fourth Test against Australia.
As speculation continues to surround the Indian team’s playing XI for the next Test match, Gavaskar’s comments serve as a reminder of the value of players who step up in challenging situations and play a pivotal role in their team’s success. It remains to be seen whether the Indian management will heed Gavaskar’s advice or opt for a different approach in the upcoming Test match.
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