The openers failed to provide good starts in both the innings of the third Test match. Rohit Sharma played a solid inning of 120 runs in the first Test.
But since then, the hit man has not changed starts in the matches played in New Delhi and Indore. The hosts would want their captain to fire in this do-or-die match.
In the last Test match, Shubman Gill was replaced by KL Rahul. But Gill also failed in both the innings in Indore.
Now India will have to re-think whether to retain Gill for the final match of BGT 2023 series or they should look at other options like Ishan Kishan at the opening position.
The spin bowling all-rounders also did not have a great game like the first two Tests.
Jadeja and Ashwin failed to bat well. It was only Axar Patel who was stranded in both the innings of the third Test in Indore.
But Akshar’s bowling is also a concern and India need him to grow as a bowler first. India can replace Patel with Kuldeep Yadav, who can bat well as a lower order batsman.
This chinaman bowler did well with the bat in the first Test match against Bangladesh. He scored a useful 40 in that first innings.
Mohammed Shami should come back for the last test match. He missed the Indore Test match due to injury.
Mohammad Siraj can be fielded in place of Shami, who had nothing in the last Test. Team India must win this match to qualify for the finals of the World Test Championship to be held at The Oval in England.
While the Aussies have already booked their places in WTC Final 2023Which will be played from 7 June 2023.
Australia look a better team under Smith in Asian and sub-continental conditions as he has the experience of leading a team in such tough and challenging conditions.
As Australian captain, Steve won his second match in India after his first in Pune on the 2017 tour of India.
Australia should include Ashton Agar in their playing XI as he can give a perfect balance to the team and also strengthen the batting unit of the visitors for the final match.
After trailing 0-2, the world number one team made a stunning comeback to win the third Test and are now in with a chance of ending the series 2-1 with a 2-2 lead.