Reports: Devdutt Padikkal asked to stay in Australia following Shubman Gill's injury

India will take on Australia in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at the Optus Stadium in Perth from November 22. The Indian team is gearing up for the curtain raiser with intense training sessions at the WACA Stadium. Key players such as Sarfaraz Khan and KL Rahul dealt a blow on their elbow during the practice sessions. Though the injury scare is not that serious, but Shubman Gill fracturing his finger has raised alarms.

The India A team have completed their two four-day matches against Australia A and the team is expected to return to homeland following a simulation game with the senior side.

According to Cricbuzz, BCCI has asked Devdutt Padikkal, who played for India A, to stay with the senior team's set-up as he will act as the backup player for Shubman Gill, who may get ruled out of the Perth Test. Gill's unavailability due to fractured thumb, and Rohit Sharma’s arrival ahead of the opening clash, is still uncertain. The India captain is in Mumbai as he welcomed his second child with wife Ritika Sajdeh.

Also Read: Shubman Gill hurt finger during practice, doubtful for Perth Test

Rohit Sharma must leave for Australia as early as possible: Sourav Ganguly

India are in dire need to win the five match series by 4-0 to qualify for the World Test Championship 2024-25. The team is under intense scanner after New Zealand whitewashed them at home. Ahead of the crucial tour, former India skipper Sourav Ganguly has urged Rohit Sharma to make it to Australia as soon as possible.

"I hope Rohit Sharma goes very soon, because the team needs leadership. I believe his wife delivered a baby boy yesterday [Friday] night so I am sure he can leave. He can leave as early as possible and if I was in his position, he should be playing the Perth Test. The match is a week away. Because it is a big series, he will not go to Australia after this, he is a fantastic captain. India needs his leadership to start with,” said Ganguly as quoted by Revsportz.