India announced its playing XI for the upcoming Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, starting from Saturday. Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj will make their Test debuts. India made four changes after the shameful defeat in Adelaide. Gill replaced Prithvi Shaw and will open with Mayank Agarwal.
Ravindra Jadeja came in for Virat Kohli who left for India on paternity leave. India tried to boost its bowling lineup and Jadeja can provide both options. In the last Test, India went with four bowlers, three pacers, and one spinner. Rishabh Pant has also replaced Wriddhiman Saha as the wicket-keeper-batsman of the side and Mohammed Siraj replaced Mohammed Shami, who was ruled out with a wrist fracture.
Hanuma Vihari retained his spot and is expected to bat at number 5. The captain Rahane will promote himself up in the order and take Virat Kohli’s position. There were some speculations about picking KL Rahul for Virat Kohli's replacement but India went with Jadeja.
India Playing XI for 2nd Test:
Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (C), Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj
