Rohit Sharma to open for India as the visitors eye notable changes in the playing XI at the MCG - Reports

IND vs AUS 4th Test: The much-awaited Boxing Day Test will begin on December 26 as India will take on Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The series is levelled at 1-1, and the team that wins this game will inch closer to winning the series and also making it to the final of the World Test Championship 2024-25.

India added an uncapped spinner, Tanush Kotain, after Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement after the third test at the Gabba. India are likely to make a few notable changes to their XI for the coming game. The biggest change is likely to be in the batting order.

The Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who batted at no. 6, is likely to be back at the top of the order. He, along with Yashavi Jaiswal, will be the opening pair that India might be going with in this all-important Boxing Day Clash. It will make some changes to the batting order.

IND vs AUS 4th Test: Rohit Sharma to open, and KL Rahul will bat at no. 3 in Boxing Day Test

Rohit Sharma missed the first test due to parental leave, and Rahul opened the innings for India. Rahul had a pretty good game, which made India keep him at the top for the next two games. But Rohit is now set to go at his usual position, where he has found success. The Indian captain struggled in the middle order.

The Indian captain only scored 19 runs in three innings at an average of 6.33. However, he will be back at the top. As per the report from TOI, India might go with two spinners in the playing XI, which might keep Nitish Kumar Reddy out of the playing XI, and Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja will be playing.

Meanwhile, as Rohit comes to the top, Rahul will bat at no. 3. Though there is no confirmation about Shubman Gill's batting position until now. The Indian captain opening the innings can add different spice to this contest. He is a natural hitter of the ball, and if he gets going, India will surely get a good start.

On the other hand, Rahul, still at no. 3 or in the middle order, can help India from losing clusters of wickets, as it has been the procession throughout the series. The match will begin at 5 AM on Thursday, and India have won the last two games played against Australia at the MCG. That will give them some sort of confidence heading into this clash.

Also Read: 3 Player Battles to Watch out for in the Fourth IND vs AUS Test at the MCG