India’s head coach faces growing concerns as the team heads to Brisbane for the third Test of their series against Australia. A key issue is the form of captain Rohit Sharma, who has struggled with the bat since returning to the team for the second Test. After missing India’s dominant victory in the first Test in Perth, Rohit was moved down the order in Adelaide, where he could only manage nine runs as India suffered a crushing 10-wicket defeat. This run of low scores has prompted criticism, with many questioning his place in the team, especially given his age and the pressure mounting on him as captain.
India’s woes are compounded by concerns over the fitness of strike bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Although Bumrah took four wickets in the series opener, he appeared to struggle in Adelaide, suffering from a thigh cramp that kept him out of training ahead of the Gabba Test. While coach Morne Morkel downplayed the injury, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting expressed doubts about India’s chances without Bumrah in the lineup, emphasizing his importance to the team. India may also make changes to their squad, with pacer Akash Deep possibly being recalled and Ravindra Jadeja potentially replacing Ravichandran Ashwin.
On the Australian side, the team will be grappling with selection dilemmas, particularly regarding pacer Scott Boland’s place in the lineup following his strong performance with the pink ball in Adelaide, and the possible return of Josh Hazlewood. All-rounder Mitchell Marsh, recovering from a back injury, has declared himself fit and ready to contribute as needed. Australia, having suffered a heavy loss in Perth, will be eager to keep their momentum going, but they will also be wary of India’s previous triumph at the Gabba, where Rishabh Pant’s match-winning knock sealed the series in 2021. With the World Test Championship spots at stake, both teams will feel the pressure to perform in Brisbane.
