India’s Predicted Playing XI for Boxing Day Test vs Australia

The much-anticipated Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is set to be a defining chapter in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. With the series between India and Australia currently locked at 1-1, both teams are eager to seize control.

After a stellar start with a century in the first Test, Jaiswal has seen his form dip, scoring only 32 runs across his other five innings. With Rohit Sharma missing the first Test, KL Rahul stepped in and performed admirably, scoring 84 in Brisbane. The openers for India will be Yashavi Jaiswal and KL Rahul for the boxing day test match.

Shubman Gill has had mixed results; he scored 100* in the second innings in Perth but has only managed 60 runs in his other three innings. His recent performances suggest he’s still finding his rhythm but remains a vital part of the lineup.

Virat Kohli has been inconsistent with just one big knock (100* in Perth), but his experience and capability to anchor the innings are indispensable. He’s yet to hit the high notes this series but is expected to make amends.

Rishabh Pant’s aggressive batting was instrumental in the test cricket. His flair could turn the game on its head at the MCG.

Rohit Sharma to bat at 6

Rohit Sharma missed the first Test at Perth, which India won, but struggled after his comeback in the second Test, failing to score more than 20 runs in any innings.

Meanwhile, Nitish Reddy is in great form and is expected to bat at number 7. If Rohit bats at 6, it could ease the pressure on him.

With Jadeja also in excellent touch, scoring 77 off 123 in the third Test, India’s middle and lower order looks strong and balanced.

Leading the series with 21 wickets at an average of 10.90, Bumrah has been India’s bowling spearhead. His accuracy and variety have kept Australian batsmen guessing, making him a central figure in India’s strategy.

Although slightly less effective with the new ball, Mohammed Siraj has taken 13 wickets at an average of 23. His performance at the MCG in 2020, where he picked up five wickets, suggests he could thrive again.

Replacing Harshit Rana, Akash Deep has shown promise with better performances than his match figures suggest.

India’s Predicted Playing XI for 4th Test vs Australia:  Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Rohit Sharma (c), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj.