IND vs AUS: Ravichandran Ashwin Out, Akash Deep In - India's Predicted XI For 3rd Test

Add as a preferred source on Google

IND vs AUS 3rd Test : The Border-Gavaskar Trophy now moves to the Gabba in Brisbane, with the series evenly poised after both teams secured a win in the opening two matches.

India began strongly with a dominant performance at the Optus Stadium in Perth, claiming a convincing victory.

However, Australia bounced back impressively at the Adelaide Oval, leveraging the pink ball to secure a commanding 10-wicket win and level the series.

Possible Changes

The visitors are anticipated to make two adjustments to their bowling attack for the upcoming Test, with significant attention focused on skipper Rohit Sharma's batting role. Akash Deep is expected to come into the Playing XI, replacing Harshit Rana, while R. Ashwin is likely to sit out and in all likelihood, Washington Sundar takes his place.

What's Next For Rohit Sharma?

There were speculations over whether Rohit Sharma should consider stepping aside from the playing XI. His recent form has been underwhelming, and his struggles during the second Test in Adelaide were evident. In the history of cricket, captains have chosen to drop themselves before, but it seems unlikely that the 37-year-old would take such a step.

Though Jasprit Bumrah could serve as an alternative leader, India lacks an experienced batter to fill the void. Another option could involve Rohit moving up the order to his traditional opening slot, allowing KL Rahul to bat lower down. This strategic shuffle could balance the lineup without sacrificing experience at the top.

India Predicted Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Rohit Sharma(c), Nitish Reddy, Ravichandran Ashwin/Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana/Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

Meanwhile the Aussies have made one change to their playing XI and have brought back Josh Hazlewood in the lineup replacing Scott Boland.

Australia Playing XI: Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.