India versus Australia Test Series, 2024-2025

Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the Perth Test due to a thumb injury

India’s preparations for the opening Test in Perth were dealt a significant setback when Shubman Gill sustained a left thumb injury while attempting a catch at the WACA on Saturday (November 16).

Initial assessments suggest a hairline fracture, which means Gill is likely to miss the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series opener at Optus Stadium, starting next Friday (November 22).

Although it’s unclear exactly when Gill injured himself—given several batters were caught in the slip cordon on Day 2 of India’s match simulation—he was seen fielding at first slip for most of the first session and much of the afternoon.

While the team management has not officially ruled him out of the first Test, the early signs are not promising, especially with the nature of a thumb fracture.

With Rohit Sharma’s availability still uncertain due to the recent birth of his son, India may face tough choices regarding their top-order for the series opener.

Gill had batted twice on Friday and appeared to be finding his rhythm, building on his impressive start to his Test career in Australia four years ago.

Missing the opening match would be a major disappointment for both him and the team.

KL Rahul, meanwhile, was present at the WACA on Saturday but didn’t take the field after taking a painful blow to his right elbow on the first day of practice.

However, scans reportedly showed no major injury, and he is expected to be fit to open the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal next week.

Abhimanyu Easwaran, the other reserve opener in the Test squad, failed to impress once again, dismissed cheaply after flashing at a delivery outside off-stump and being caught by Virat Kohli at second slip.

With Rohit and Gill potentially unavailable, India’s top-order looks somewhat understrength, leaving the selectors with tough decisions to make.

India A, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, is still in Australia, and the selectors could ask a few of those batters to stay as backup.

As of Saturday night, no official decision had been made.

Gaikwad, who had a strong outing on Saturday, impressed with a robust knock, including four sixes, two of which came off R. Ashwin’s bowling.

Devdutt Padikkal also showed promise, looking comfortable against Jasprit Bumrah, who was firing in full steam ahead of his second Test as captain.

It remains to be seen if Gaikwad or Padikkal will be retained as potential backups, and whether one of them might be called up to replace Gill if he is ruled out.