The Indian team is all set to lock horns with Australia in the upcoming high-octane five-match Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), slated to start from November 22.
According to reports, a Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) star might be in line to earn his maiden Test cap when India takes the field for the series opener in Perth.
Talented speedster Harshit Rana, who had a breakout campaign earlier this year in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) and was retained by the franchise ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, is expected to earn a berth in India’s playing XI.
This tactical move comes as the Indian management is likely to field four pacers for this game.
Furthermore, Rana’s selection in the squad is viewed as a major step toward bolstering India’s pace attack against Australia, especially in the absence of experienced pacer Mohammed Shami and he will look to make this new chapter in his career count by coming all guns blazing.
India to rely heavily on pacers for Perth Test
The pitch at Perth’s Optus Stadium is anticipated to offer bounce and carry, making Harshit Rana a strong candidate to add firepower to India’s fast-bowling attack.
India is also anticipated to lean significantly on their pace attack. The team is likely to opt for just one spinner, with Ravindra Jadeja expected to be preferred over Ravichandran Ashwin. The Indian selectors are also keen on handing seaming all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy his debut to have an extra fifth pace option.
As for the remaining pace department, Jasprit Bumrah will lead the charge and is likely to be accompanied by Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, completing the Indian bowling attack.
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