India predicted XI for 4th Test vs Australia: Will Rohit Sharma open in Melbourne?

Boxing Day Test: If Rohit Sharma opts to open with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the fourth Test at the MCG, KL Rahul is likely to bat at No.3. Melbourne weather may influence India's decision to play two spinners.

In Short

• If Rohit Sharma opens the batting, KL Rahul will bat at No.3 at MCG
• Melbourne weather may influence India's decision to play two spinners
• The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is tied at 1-1 ahead of Boxing Day Test

The stakes couldn't be higher as India and Australia head into the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy tied at 1-1. If India win, they will seal the series and retain the coveted trophy, while a victory for Australia would keep them on course for their first series win over India in a decade.

For the hosts, a defeat would invite sharp scrutiny, while for India, a loss would leave their World Test Championship (WTC) fate hanging by a thread, though retaining the series trophy would remain a possibility. With favourable weather predicted and the MCG’s recent track record discouraging draws, a result seems almost certain. The iconic venue, expected to host over 90,000 fans, will set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams seeking to take a decisive step toward glory.

WILL ROHIT OPEN?

Rohit Sharma is reportedly likely to open for India against Australia in the Boxing Day Test, starting on Thursday. This would mean KL Rahul might drop to the No. 3 spot in the batting order. Rohit played as a middle-order batter in the Adelaide and Brisbane Tests but could well return to the top of the order for the fourth Test. When asked about the batting order for the MCG Test during the pre-match press conference, Rohit, unlike his candid remarks before the Adelaide game, chose not to reveal anything.

Since taking up the opening role in 2019, Rohit has been one of India's top-performing players in Test cricket. In 42 Tests as an opener, he has scored 2,685 runs in 64 innings at an average of 44.01, with nine centuries and eight fifties to his name. His best score is 212. Rohit has also been India's standout performer in the history of the ICC World Test Championship, amassing 2,704 runs at an average of 42.25, including nine centuries and eight fifties in 39 Tests and 67 innings.

If Rohit opens the batting and Rahul takes the No. 3 spot, India might have to drop Shubman Gill. They have the luxury of an in-form Ravindra Jadeja, who can bat at No. 6.

Nitish Kumar Reddy might still retain his place in the XI. The all-rounder has been a revelation in the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, contributing significantly with both bat and ball. With 179 runs and key wickets at crucial moments, the Hyderabad-born all-rounder has firmly established himself as an invaluable asset.

Dropping him from the XI would seem unjustified, especially considering the need for India to manage their bowlers' workload in Melbourne's searing heat. Meanwhile, Gill has struggled in the ongoing series, scoring only 60 runs at an average of 20. His prolonged rough patch in overseas Tests might lead to his omission from the Boxing Day Test. Additionally, Gill, who copped a blow on his finger in the nets, has never batted in the middle order in Test cricket.

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli will bat at No.4, followed by Rishabh Pant at No. 5. In Nos. 6 and 7, you will see Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Reddy.

WILL SUNDAR PLAY?

India has prioritised batting depth over bowling depth on this tour, yet they’ve been bowled out for under 200 in three of their five completed innings. Melbourne’s weather has been unpredictable, with showers, heavy winds, nippy mornings, and harsh afternoons since the team’s arrival. The forecast for the opening day isn’t favourable, which might prompt the Indian think tank to consider an extra spinner for the Test.

India may opt to play two spinners in the fourth Test, considering the possibility that the Melbourne pitch may slow down over the last 2-3 days of the match after enduring wear and tear in the first two days. Captain Rohit Sharma hinted at the possibility of including a second spinner for the Boxing Day Test, but the decision is still pending from the Indian team management. If Rohit and chief coach Gautam Gambhir opt for an additional spinner, it is likely to be off-spinner Washington Sundar, who would partner left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja. And then there would be the three pacers: Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, and Mohammed Siraj.

Pat Cummins expects Nathan Lyon to play a key role at the MCG, but Rohit remained tight-lipped about India’s strategy when asked about the possibility of fielding an extra spinner. “Whatever we have to do to make the best possible XI for these conditions, we will do—whether that involves playing an extra spinner or not,” Rohit said on Tuesday.

With the series level at 1-1, both sides will head into the much-anticipated Boxing Day Test aiming to secure a crucial series lead to strengthen their bid for the ICC World Test Championship final.

INDIA PREDICTED XI FOR 4TH TEST: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Reddy, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.