"Brave decision" - Former India coach makes big statement on India's team selection for BGT 2024-25 4th Test

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has offered his opinion regarding the management's decision to drop Shubman Gill for the Boxing Day Test against Australia. The right-handed batter made way for Washington Sundar as the visitors opted for depth in their bowling unit with two spin bowling options in the mix.

Shubman Gill was not among the runs, with meager returns in the last two Tests, including an atrocious dismissal at The Gabba. The batter was doubtful for the fourth Test after reports emerged that skipper Rohit Sharma would return to the top of the order, while the in-form KL Rahul was penciled in to bat at No. 3.

The rumors turned out to be true after Rohit Sharma confirmed Gill's omission from the playing XI at the toss, giving Team India's playing XI a completely different look.

Ravi Shastri remarked that the decision to leave out Gill was a brave one, and factored in the extreme weather conditions that might have forced India to make the call.

“They have given themselves more bowling options because … the weather could play a role in that. It’s going to be very hot over the next few days. I think it is a proactive, positive move from India to back themselves, to back the top six, to score the runs, and then give themselves enough opportunities to take 20 wickets," Shastri said on Fox Sports.

“It’s a brave decision; I would have thought that they would’ve kept Gill … it’s a tough one. Reddy is a good man to have, he’s played well in the series," Shastri added.

Shubman Gill has regularly missed matches due to injuries in the recent past, but this marks the first time he has had to make way for tactical reasons.

"They probably want to offer a bit of support to Jasprit Bumrah" - Isa Guha on Team India's selection for 4th BGT Test

Former England cricketer Isa Guha opined that Team India might have been forced to make the change and beef up the bowling reserves to ease Jasprit Bumrah's workload. The pacer has played three matches on the trot and has had to bowl long spells at times, with an evident lack of support from the other end.

“It is a long Test series, so they probably want to offer a bit of support to Jasprit Bumrah,” Isa Guha told Fox Sports.

Australia are off to a flying start after opting to bat first. Debutant Sam Konstas has eased to a half-century as Australia are placed at 86-0 after 18 overs.