3 things India need to do right to beat Australia in the 4th BGT 2024-25 Test ft. retain KL Rahul as opener

The biggest day on the cricketing calendar is here! The Boxing Day Test will hit screens on Thursday, December 26, when India and Australia battle it out at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

While Rohit Sharma and Co. aren't in great form at the moment, having lost one and narrowly drawn one since emerging victorious in Perth, they will take heart from the fact that they have an excellent recent record at the MCG. Moreover, Australia will be without Josh Hazlewood, while Travis Head might not be at full fitness.

India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Tanush Kotian, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Devdutt Padikkal.

On that note, here are three things India needs to do right to beat Australia in the fourth Test.

---

#3 India must retain KL Rahul as an opener

Australia v India - Men's 3rd Test Match: Day 4 - Source: Getty

Reports from certain quarters suggest that Rohit Sharma is pondering a return to the top of the order. The Indian skipper hasn't looked at home in the middle order, and it makes sense for the visitors to try something new to get the best out of them.

However, with the grand scheme of the Test in mind, that might not be the best move. KL Rahul has clearly been India's most assured batter at the crease, possessing the ability to counter both swing and seam. Rahul plays a hugely important role at the top, particularly with Yashasvi Jaiswal yet to hit his bearings on Aussie soil.

India needs to persist with Rahul, the opener, and continue with Rohit in the middle order, where the conditions are likely to be easier.

---

#2 India can't let Scott Boland settle into a rhythm

Australia Men's Test Squad Training Session - Source: Getty

Josh Hazlewood's calf injury means that Scott Boland will have the opportunity to return to the Australian playing XI at his favorite Melbourne Cricket Ground. India will rightly be worried about countering the fast bowler, but there are a few strategies they can employ.

Boland cannot be allowed to settle into a rhythm, where he pounds away at a length and moves the ball in both directions. Making him leave his comfort zone is the best way for India to counter him, and Rishabh Pant will be key in that regard.

Boland rarely gives away any loose deliveries, and India might need to manufacture scoring opportunities at times. With Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc also losing their radar at times recently, Rohit and Co. will need to take the attack to the metronomic quick and hope for the best.

---

#1 Rohit Sharma and Co. need frontline batters and bowlers to win Test matches

Australia v India - Men's 3rd Test Match: Day 4 - Source: Getty

India are confronted with a difficult selection dilemma ahead of the fourth Test. Certain reports suggest that only two out of Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shubman Gill will take to the field at the MCG.

While Reddy has done nothing wrong in the series so far and certainly doesn't deserve to be dropped, it might be a tough decision India has to take. Gill would add a bunch of assurance to the batting order, irrespective of where he bats and needs to be backed despite his poor run of scores overseas.

Sundar, meanwhile, will lengthen the batting order just like Reddy and give them a little bit more control with the ball. If the pitch breaks down as the Test goes on, the off-spinner will come into play against the likes of Travis Head.