What will be India’s playing 11 for Sydney Test against Australia?

The Indian cricket team have ended 2020 on the ultimate high as Ajinkya Rahane’s side defeated Australia by eight wickets to level the four-Test series 1-1. After the drubbing in Adelaide where they were bowled out for 36, India headed into the Melbourne Test with no Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami. Despite the odds, India produced a magnificent performance with some fine captaincy from Ajinkya Rahane as well as the bowling of Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin. Mohammed Siraj chipped in while Ravindra Jadeja added depth and balance to the side. With the Sydney Cricket Ground expected to assist spin as the game progresses, India might want to persist with both Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin.

However, there will be changes for India despite winning the Melbourne Test. Rohit Sharma, who arrived in Australia on December 16, has been in quarantine for 14 days and he will be eligible for selection in the Indian cricket team for the Sydney Test. Depending upon his fitness, Rohit Sharma is a straight slot in at the top of the batting. Umesh Yadav complained of a calf injury and his participation is also in doubt pending some fitness issues. Ahead f the SCG Test match, here is the possible 11 for India for the match.

Playing 11 for India

With Rohit Sharma coming back, it might be good to open the batting with Mayank Agarwal. However, what does that do with Shubman Gill? The youngster showed tremendous application and was confident in his strokeplay in both innings on a spicy deck in Melbourne. Should Rohit Sharma open with Mayank Agarwal or will he bat at No.6?

If Rohit Sharma bats at No.6, then Hanuma Vihari might be the one to get the axe in the Sydney Test. There is also some question marks on Mayank Agarwal, having been dismissed cheaply in three innings. Will India think about dropping Mayank Agarwal? If they do, then KL Rahul is the ideal candidate to slot in the opening position.

With regards to Umesh Yadav, if the pacer is deemed unfit for the Sydney game, then T Natarajan mighe be the ideal candidate to get into the Indian playing 11. Navdeep Saini might be the strong contender but a left-arm pacer in the Indian 11 adds plenty of variety to the bowling. If Natarajan is selected, you have jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin to shore up the bowling front. The addition of Natarajan will give variety to the team.

India potential playing 11 for Sydney Test

Mayank Agarwal/KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, T Natarajan, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj