Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna - who should replace Akash Deep in India's playing 11 for BGT 2024-25 5th Test?

Indian pacer Akash Deep has been ruled out of the fifth Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 Test. The fifth and final Test of the series begins on Friday (January 3) at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

Akash Deep will miss the last Test due to a stiff back. Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed his absence during the pre-match press conference. While he could only pick up five wickets, he was unfortunate as many chances he created went begging.

The right-arm quick bowled 87.5 overs in the two Tests that he played, enduring a heavier workload than he is used to normally. This could be the cause of his back issue which has ruled him out of the SCG Test. With the final Test being a must-win game for India to save the series and retain the BGT, Akash Deep's absence comes as a significant blow.

However, the visitors do have a couple of potential options who could replace him in the side for the Sydney Test. The two pacers on the bench, either of whom can walk into the side, are Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna. With the playing XI not yet revealed, it will be interesting to see who gets the nod to play at the SCG.

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Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna - who should replace Akash Deep in India's playing 11 for BGT 2024-25 5th Test?

Notably, Harshit Rana featured for India in the first two Tests of the series. He impressed in the first Test in Perth, where he picked up four wickets across the two innings.

He failed to replicate his success in the second Test in Adelaide. Harshit bowled 16 overs in the first innings, where he leaked 86 runs at an economy rate of 5.4. He also remained wicketless. The pacer did not bowl in the second innings. His outing was not a fruitful one in Adelaide and did not feature in the playing XI in Brisbane and Melbourne.

On the other hand, Prasidh Krishna has yet to play a game in the series. The 28-year-old pacer is waiting for his maiden opportunity on this tour. He impressed in the two India A games, picking up 10 wickets in all.

With Prasidh being a 'hit-the-deck' bowler, the pitch at the SCG, with some grass left on it, will suit him. With his pace, he can hurry some of the Australian batters given the conditions. The Sydney track has changed over the years, which could work well in Prasidh's favor. With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj exhausted throughout the series, the inclusion of fresh legs might do some good to India's pace attack.

Harshit Rana also has similar skill-sets. However, Prasidh would come in without any baggage and pressure, as compared to Harshit, who had a bad Test in Adelaide. With this being the final Test as well, trying out a pacer who has not played may also provide another option keeping the future in mind.

Given Prasidh's form and performances for India A, he would be an ideal choice to replace Akash Deep. However, it will be interesting to see whether the hosts go back to Rana, or make a new inclusion in the form of Prasidh.