Why Did India Replace Shubman Gill With Washington Sundar In 4th Test Vs Australia?

The Border and Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is heating up. India and Australia are all set to take on each other in the 4th Test of the series at the iconic MCG

Team India will be aiming to take a crucial lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 when they face Australia in the 4th Test of the series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on 26th December. Both teams will be looking to secure a victory that will put them in a strong position to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

At the toss, Australia captain Pat Cummins won the coin flip and elected to bat first. Both India and Australia made one change to their respective playing XIs. Australia handed a debut to wicketkeeper-batter Sam Konstas, who came in place of Nathan McSweeney. Meanwhile, India rested opener Shubman Gill and included all-rounder Washington Sundar in the lineup.

Gill's inclusion in the playing XI was a major talking point, especially considering his struggles in the series so far. In the three innings that he has batted in, Gill has managed to score only 60 runs at an average of 20. Moreover, the Indian top-order batter has not looked fluent with his technique and has failed to get going in the series.

On the other hand, Sundar's inclusion provides India with a spin-bowling all-rounder, which could be crucial in the absence of Ravichandran Ashwin. Sundar not only adds variety to the team's bowling attack but also strengthens the batting lineup.

Here's a closer look at the possible reasons behind Gill being rested for the 4th Test at the MCG:

Gill's poor form in the series might have prompted the team management to give him a break. With Gill averaging only 20 in the three innings he has played so far, the team could be looking to give him some time to regain his form.

The inclusion of Sundar in the lineup provides India with a spin-bowling all-rounder, which could be a valuable asset in the absence of Ashwin. Sundar's batting abilities also add depth to the Indian batting order.

These two factors could have played a role in Gill being rested for the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia.