Can Rohit Brigade Bounce Back in Brisbane Battle?

After a commanding win in Perth, Team India and its fans were optimistic about dominating the ongoing BorderGavaskar Trophy (BGT) series. Confidence was high as the team aimed to secure a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) finals. However, reality struck hard in Adelaide, where Australia outclassed India with a crushing 10-wicket victory in the pink-ball day-night Test, levelling the series 1-1.

Adelaide, known for its unique pink-ball dynamics, has been a fortress for the Aussies in tricky day-night Tests. The hosts boast an impressive record of 8 wins in these matches at this venue, reinforcing their dominance under lights. For India, the loss was a stark reminder of the challenges ahead as they now begin the crucial clash for the third Test at the Gabba.

The Gabba in Brisbane has historically been one of Australia’s strongest venues. For 33 years, the Aussies remained unbeaten at this ground - a streak famously broken by India in 2021. That victory, part of the 2020-21 BGT series, remains etched in cricketing history. Despite missing key players due to injuries, India chased down 328 runs on the final day, with Rishabh Pant leading the charge in a thrilling threewicket win.

India’s record at the Gabba has otherwise been lacklustre, with just one win in seven matches.For Australia, their recent Gabba outings have fetched mixed results including two wins (against England and South Africa) and two losses (to India and the West Indies).

For now, both India and Australia have decided to stick with their existing squads for the third Test. The early finish in Adelaide provided players with additional recovery time, allowing both camps to strategize effectively. Australia’s primary concern is the fitness of Josh Hazlewood. The pacer missed the second Test due to a side strain, paving the way for Scott Boland, who delivered an impressive performance. Hazlewood’s availability remains uncertain, though his inclusion would bolster an already formidable Aussie bowling attack.

On the Indian side, speculation surrounds the potential return of Mohammed Shami. Recovering from ankle surgery, Shami’s inclusion depends on his fitness. Skipper Rohit Sharma has emphasized that only fully fit players will be considered, given the series’ intensity and stakes. Though he will not be part of the team in Brisbane, India will be happy if he is available for selection for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma’s batting form has been a topic of concern. Despite his leadership acumen, his vulnerability against the moving ball has been exposed. In Adelaide, he managed scores of just 6 and 3, falling to deliveries that seamed away - a pattern that has troubled him in recent times. As India heads to the Gabba, Rohit will need to address these technical flaws to provide stability at the top of the order.

The Gabba curator has promised a traditional Brisbane wicket, emphasizing good carry and consistent bounce. However, he has recently admitted that the time of year could impact pitch behaviour, with fresher wickets earlier in the season offering more assistance to bowlers. India’s batsmen will need to adapt quickly to the conditions, particularly against Australia’s relentless pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and potentially Josh Hazlewood.

With the series locked at 1-1, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A win at the Gabba would not only give either team a crucial lead in the series but also significantly boost chances of qualifying for the WTC finals. For India, victory would echo the spirit of their 2021 triumph, signalling their ability to conquer challenging conditions yet again. For Australia, reclaiming dominance at the Gabba would serve as a statement of intent, particularly after their shock defeat to India in the previous series.

India will be banking on their ageing stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to step up, alongside youngsters like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal. In the bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja will be pivotal to counter Aussie batters.

For Australia, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith remain their batting mainstays, while the bowlers, led by Starc and Cummins, will look to exploit the Gabba conditions to their advantage. The Gabba Test promises to be a gripping contest, with both teams eyeing supremacy. For India, it’s an opportunity to regain momentum in the series but for Australia, it’s about restoring their fortress again!

So far, both teams have shown an ability to bounce back in this BGT series but the key question is can India stage a comeback in the Brisbane Battle? Cricket fans could see a titanic clash that could shape the narrative of this series and the WTC race. The Gabba, with its challenging conditions, seems a perfect stage for this crunch battle in India-Australia rivalry.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Siddhaarth Mahan, The writer is a specialist on Sports and Cinema who works as an actor in the Hindi film industry