Unlucky Reddy to be dropped as India are set to pick two spinners for the Boxing Day Test

IND vs AUS 4th Test: The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is evenly level at 1-1 after the first three tests. The showpiece Boxing Day Test will begin on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Stadium. India had some momentum from the third test after the spirited fight they showed with the bat at the Gabba.

But still, they will be the underdog here. India need win to retain the BGT trophy and also to stay alive in the race for the World Test Championship final. Hence, India are looking to make some changes to their playing XI. The biggest change will be the Indian captain Rohit Sharma going back to the top with Yashavi Jasiwal.

Some media reports confirm that KL Rahul is likely to drop to No. 3 in the batting order. But apart from the batting change, India are also looking to make some change to their bowling unit. They have gone with a three-pacer and one-spinner strategy in the first three tests with Nitish Kumar Reddy as the fourth seamer. But there is a possibility that they might go with two spinners.

IND vs AUS 4th Test: India are likely to go with two spinners in Playing XI for the Boxing Day Test

The fourth test is a must-win contest for Team India in many ways. That is why they will look to put the best possible playing XI that can win them the game. India have won the last two games at this venue against Australia. So, they have a decent record at this venue.

With Rohit to open and Rahul to play at no. 3, there are chances that Shubman Gill might have to sit out. Gill has had some starts, but he couldn't convert those into a big one. He has scored 60 runs in three innings. The report from the Times of India suggests that Gill might be axed.

India will go with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar as the two spinning options along with three pacers. However, there is no clarity on Gill's inclusion, but if he gets into the playing XI, then his batting position might be a question. However, if India think to keep him in the team, it will be Nitish Kumar Reddy to be left out.

Reddy was picked as a fourth-seaming option who can bat at no. 8. He had a brilliant series so far with the bat, scoring 179 runs in five innings at an average of 44.75. But with the ball, he has been able to support other bowlers. Reddy has only taken three wickets.

It will be a big call to drop Reddy, who has played some crucial innings under pressure and performed well. The decision of adding two spinners might backfire as the MCG pitch is likely to assist the pacers more. There is a lot going on in the Indian camp, but one thing is sure: Rohit will be opening the innings in the fourth test.

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