KL Rahul Returns to Training as Shubman Gill’s Perth Test Availability Uncertain

Perth [Australia], November 17 – As Team India prepares for the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Perth, batter KL Rahul’s return to training after suffering a blow to his elbow has provided a much-needed boost. However, concerns loom large over Shubman Gill, who is reportedly unlikely to play due to a hand injury.

Rahul Back in Action

During India’s intra-squad match simulation on Friday, KL Rahul was struck on his elbow by a delivery from pacer Prasidh Krishna, forcing him to leave the session early. He subsequently missed Saturday’s key training session, during which India’s primary batters took the crease.

On Sunday, Rahul returned to the nets and put in a solid three-hour training stint. He batted for an hour without showing signs of discomfort and later participated in a short workout. While his fluency at the crease wasn’t as evident as before the injury, his presence boosted India’s preparations.

Gill’s Setback

Gill, who has been in fine touch during training sessions, suffered a thumb injury while fielding in the slips during practice on Friday. The injury raises doubts about his participation in the series opener, adding to India’s uncertainty over the opening pair.

Skipper Rohit Sharma, who welcomed his second child on Saturday, is also yet to confirm if he will join the team in time for the Perth Test.

Match Simulation Highlights

The intra-squad match simulation at the WACA saw notable performances, including Shubman Gill’s scores of 28 and 42 not out. However, star batter Virat Kohli struggled at times, scoring 15 and 30 not out, particularly against short-pitched deliveries on the bouncy WACA surface.

India’s frontline bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, also participated in match simulations on day two and continued training on Sunday.

Preparations Shift to Optus Stadium

With six days of rigorous training, including match simulations on the WACA’s center wicket, India completed their practice block at the iconic venue. The team will now shift to the Optus Stadium starting Tuesday, where the first Test begins on November 22.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy Schedule

1. First Test: Optus Stadium, Perth – November 22 to 26
2. Second Test: Adelaide Oval (Day-Night) – December 6 to 10
3. Third Test: The Gabba, Brisbane – December 14 to 18
4. Fourth Test: Melbourne Cricket Ground (Boxing Day Test) – December 26 to 30
5. Fifth Test: Sydney Cricket Ground – January 3 to 7

India’s Squad for BGT

• Rohit Sharma (C)
• Jasprit Bumrah (VC)
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Dhruv Jurel (Wk)
• Sarfaraz Khan
• Virat Kohli
• Prasidh Krishna
• Ravichandran Ashwin
• Mohammed Shami
• Rishabh Pant (Wk)
• KL Rahul
• Harshit Rana
• Abhimanyu Easwaran
• Shubman Gill
• Nitish Kumar Reddy
• Mohammed Siraj
• Washington Sundar