Border-Gavaskar Trophy / Will KL Rahul not play Boxing Day Test? Injury in Melbourne increases tension

Border-Gavaskar Trophy: The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia has filled the audience with excitement. After the three matches played so far, all eyes are on the fourth Test, which is scheduled to start on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This Boxing Day Test is very important for India, but before this match, the Indian team has faced a bad news of injury.

KL Rahul's injury becomes a cause of concern

Indian batsman KL Rahul, who has performed brilliantly so far in this series, has been injured. During the net session in Melbourne, the ball hit his right hand, after which he had to undergo treatment from the physio. The video that went viral on social media showed that after the injury, spray was applied on his hand. However, it is not yet clear how serious his injury is and whether he will be available for the fourth Test.

Rahul's injury can be a big setback for the Indian team. So far in this series, he has scored 235 runs at an average of 47, including two half-centuries. Apart from him, no other Indian batsman has touched the 200-run mark. Rahul's experience, who scored centuries in the last two Boxing Day Tests, is invaluable for Team India. However, he has five days to recover, and fans are hoping that he will be fit and take the field.

Team India's preparation in Melbourne

The Indian team had its first net session at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday after a day's rest. Captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli practiced specifically against spinners, as the MCG pitch is considered helpful for spinners. Virat, who is struggling to find his rhythm in this series, practiced batting fiercely against the throw-down specialist.

Apart from this, Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill also practiced batting. In the bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, and Akash Deep did not participate in the net session. Before the session, a long conversation was seen between coach Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli, which focused on strategy.

Importance and possibilities of the fourth Test

Australian batsman Travis Head has dominated this series by scoring 409 runs at an average of 81.80. However, the contribution of experienced players like Rahul, Rohit, and Virat is very important to strengthen the Indian batting order. Team India's performance in the last two matches has not been satisfactory, but the conditions will be different in Melbourne.

If KL Rahul is not fit, then the team management will have to rely on Yashasvi Jaiswal or Shubman Gill. For India, this Test is not just a part of the series, but also a battle for honor.

Conclusion

Team India definitely has challenges before the fourth Test, but this team has always performed brilliantly in adverse circumstances. Rahul's injury is a matter of concern for the team, but the depth of the team and the experience of the players keep India strong. Now it remains to be seen which team celebrates victory in this match starting from December 26.

KL Rahul suffered a hand injury at the MCG nets today during practice session. #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/XH8sPiG8Gi

— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) December 21, 2024