For 1st Australia Test Devdutt Padikkal added to India’s squad, Yash Dayal extra travelling reserve
Devdutt Padikkal has been added to India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 after staying back following India A’s tour of Australia. Padikkal impressed with a solid 88 against Australia A earlier in Mackay and made his Team India debut earlier this year. His strong first-class average of 58.57 makes him a valuable addition to a squad facing batting challenges.
In addition to Padikkal, YashDayal has also been included as a travelling reserve. Dayal was part of the squad for India’s recent New Zealand Test series, and his inclusion raises questions about the status of the current reserves. India is already carrying three reserve bowlers—Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, and Khaleel Ahmed—but it remains unclear if one of them is injured or if other reasons are behind Dayal’s addition.
Padikkal’s selection seems timely, with Rohit Sharma unavailable and doubts surrounding Shubman Gill’s fitness for the Perth Test. Although assistant coach MorneMorkel has not officially ruled out Gill, indications from practice suggest otherwise. Padikkal was spotted at first slip, a position usually occupied by Gill, hinting he could be part of the playing XI and take over slip duties in the upcoming match.
India’s squad for 1st Australia Test
JaspritBumrah ©, Shubman Gill, YashasviJaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, DevduttPadikkal, ViratKohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, DhruvJurel (wk), RavichandranAshwin, RavindraJadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, HarshitRana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar.
Reserves: Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed, YashDayal