Team India has shifted its focus to red-ball cricket and started strong preparation to face a tough challenge from the world’s no.1 Test side Australia. Rohit Sharma-led men cannot take Pat Cummins-led side lightly as they are in good form and have not lost a Test series since December 2021. India and Australia will square off in four-match Test series, starting from February 9 to March 14.

Shreyas Iyer is set to be ruled out of the first test in Nagpur, owing to a back injury he suffered in the third ODI against Sri Lanka. The absence of the middle-order batter, who is one of the best players of spin, will affect India’s chances in the series opener. Reports confirmed that Iyer will be fit in time to play the second Test in Delhi.

India’s recent sensation Shubman Gill is expected to replace Iyer in the playing XI for the first Test. The 23-year-old Indian opener is in the form of his life.

In the recent past, Gill smashed four centuries, including a double ton and also a maiden T20I century in the series decider against the Black Caps.

Despite being in red-hot form, Gill will have to make way for Rohit and vice-captain KL Rahul to open the batting. Gill could be given a chance in the middle-order to bat at no.5 or no.6 where he could fit.

Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan have earned their maiden call-up to the Test Squad, but fans have to wait and see whether these two can make a cut in the playing XI.