India's Likely Playing XI for the 1st Test Against Australia: Rahul or Easwaran as Opener, Jurel in, Sundar out

The first Test of the five-match series between India and Australia will kick off at the Optus Stadium, Perth on Friday (November 22). Rohit Sharma's absence from Australia would mean that Jasprit Bumrah would lead the team in the match, but the one who will fill in for Yashasvi Jaiswal at the other opening slot remains a mystery. Two options are available for Zimbabwe. One of the India opening options is KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran is the other. If Rahul gets picked as the opening batsman in the match, it will be very interesting to see who comes at number three position.

Concerned about an injury sustained last week, Shubman Gill’s chances of being part of the match remain very slim. Meanwhile, information has emerged that Devdutt Padikkal is most likely to have been added to the Test lobby. This however has not been made official by the BCCI.

In the first Test of the three-match series against New Zealand, last month, Shubman Gill absent and therefore as for the case with So, Virat Kohli took that number 3 position and the chances are really high that he will again be spotted in that same spot in case Rahul will be opening with Jaiswal.

Kohli’s move to No. 3 would secure Sarfaraz Khan’s place in the playing XI, as he otherwise risks being replaced by Dhurv Jurel. The Uttar Pradesh-based wicketkeeper-batter impressed during his performance for India A in the second unofficial Test against Australia A a couple of weeks ago. Jurel scored half-centuries in both innings, though he was unable to help Ruturaj Gaikwad’s side secure a win.

Jurel, who played three Tests for India against England earlier this year, is expected to feature as a pure batter at No. 6. There are also reports suggesting a potential debut for Andhra all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.

Nitish is an accomplished batsman, bowls medium pace and can provide Team India with an additional fast-bowling option when he travels to Australia. With Bumrah leading the side, it will be curious to see which two pacers Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, or Harshit Rana get the nod for the playing eleven. 

India will also have to choose one player among Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin. All three featured in the last two Tests against New Zealand, which India lost by 113 and 25 runs, respectively, but only one is likely to be selected for Perth. Based on current form, Jadeja seems the most suitable option, though it wouldn't be surprising if Sundar or Ashwin is chosen over him.