India and Australia are all set to square off in the third Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2022-23 from Wednesday (1 March). Australia are most likely to play without Pat Cummins as the visiting captain is still with his family back Down Under. The visitors will also miss the services of David Warner who is ruled out with a hairline fracture on his elbow. Josh Hazlewood, Ashton Agar, and Lance Morris are also not available.
Meanwhile, India have nothing to worry about as they have a settled unit as always. While there are questions on the place of a few players, Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid are unlikely to make any change to the team that played in the second Test. Yes, KL Rahul is still very much in Indian team management’s plans and the opening batter will get a longer rope, at least in this series. Meaning, Shubman Gill will once again miss out.
So, as India get ready to take on Australia in the third Test, here is their predicted playing XI.
Top Order: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara
Rohit Sharma will be leading the side so he is an automatic selection. Meanwhile, KL Rahul, despite his prolonged lean patch is likely to retain his place. The team management has been reluctant in letting go of Rahul and Sharma and Dravid did confirm it after the conclusion of the second Test. Therefore, the 30-year-old will be the second opener for India in the third Test. Cheteshwar Pujara, who hit the winning runs in the last game, will also easily make it into the playing XI.
