Sunil Gavaskar blocks Gautam Gambhir from dropping Akash Deep, Nitish Kumar Reddy

There is a lot of speculation about changes in India’s line-up for the must-win Boxing Day Test of the ongoing 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, starting December 26 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne.

as difference Gearing up for the crucial fourth Test in Melbourne, the Indian cricket team is facing a major selection dilemma over its squad, especially due to Ravichandran Ashwin’s unexpected retirement from international cricket after the Gabba Test.

With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 still tied at 1-1, changes in India’s squad are definitely on the cards and it is also being said that young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy could be dropped from the squad to bring in. Back to Washington Sundar’s comprehensive second spin.

Sunil Gavaskar backs Nitish Kumar Reddy to retain his place for the Boxing Day Test

Media reports claimed that Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar will play in the Boxing Day Test. Hence, Nitish Kumar Reddy will have to make way for the Tamil Nadu star, but legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar feels it will be a huge mistake if the team management accepts this invitation.

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The former Indian captain strongly believes that Nitish Kumar Reddy should be in India’s squad for the Boxing Day Test against Australia. Gavaskar believes that Reddy, as the fourth seamer, is crucial to the balance of the Indian cricket team and cannot be left out of the squad.

The legendary Indian batsman also stressed that India cannot afford to play the must-win Test match in the ongoing five-match Test. series With just two players, expect the Gabba Test lineup to remain unchanged for the Melbourne encounter.

They can’t drop Nitish Kumar Reddy: Sunil Gavaskar

“They can’t drop Nitish Kumar Reddy. He is the fourth seamer. I can’t see India fielding with just two spinners and Nitish,” Sunil Gavaskar said on Star Sports ahead of the fourth Test at the MCG. “For me, this is the XI that plays in Melbourne very much.” “

Meanwhile, Sunil Gavaskar also rejected the idea of ​​substitution Akash Deb With Harshit Rana for the crucial fourth Test against Australia at the MCG.

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However, Akash Deb’s bowling in Brisbane was not brilliant, with figures of 3/123, but his 31 runs off 44 balls in the 11th over were crucial in helping India avoid the follow-on and achieve a draw against Australia in the third Test. In GABA.

Harshit Rana unlikely to replace Akash Deb: Sunil Gavaskar

The legendary batsman feels that Harshit Rana is unlikely to replace Akash Deb, especially after the batsman played a key role in the follow-on. He thought dropping Akash would be meaningless. Gavaskar signed off by saying, “Harshit is unlikely to replace Akash Deb. Why would you let go of the man who saved your team from going on?

Additionally, the Indian team is also considering making changes to the top order for the upcoming Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Rohit Sharma could return to the opener, KL Rahul could be moved to number three, with Shubman Gill facing elimination, having been struggling with the bat down low.