India assistant coach reveals why Shubman Gill was left out for Washington Sundar in BGT 2024-25 4th Test

India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar shed light on why No. 3 batter Shubman Gill was dropped from the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia in Melbourne on Thursday, December 26. Nayar shared that Gill was not the right fit in the XI after they took a closer look at the pitch, hinting at assistance for the spinners.

Notably, Washington Sundar was picked as the second spinner alongside Ravindra Jadeja. Gill’s ouster came after he returned with scores of 31, 28, and one run in the second and third Tests. The 25-year-old had missed the series opener due to an injury.

Abhishek Nayar told the reporters on Day 1 (via CricketAddictor):

“Looking at the pitch, we felt Washi could give solidarity along with Jaddu - I feel for Shubman but he understands - He is not really dropped, just couldn’t find his way in the combination.”

Jadeja provided the first breakthrough by taking the prized scalp of Australian debutant Sam Konstas, who smashed 60 off 65 balls. Meanwhile, Washington Sundar dismissed Marnus Labuschagne, who holed out to Virat Kohli at mid-off. The duo's selection might pay dividends in the second innings against Australia, especially from Day 3 onwards.

---

“Rohit will likely come up” – Abhishek Nayar on India captain's batting position

Abhishek Nayar added that India captain Rohit Sharma might return to his opening role after failing in the middle order, returning with 3, 6, and 10 in the Test series. Nayar said during the same interaction:

“Rohit will likely come up & open for us.”

On Wednesday, Rohit nosedived five rungs to 35th in the latest ICC Test rankings for batters. The 37-year-old has managed just 152 runs in his last six Tests at an average of 13.81.

With Rohit set to open, KL Rahul might play at No. 3 after a great run as an opener, scoring 235 runs in six innings at an average of 47.00, including two half-centuries. He is the leading run-scorer for India in the five-game series. Australia’s Travis Head remains on top of the list with 409 runs in six innings at an average of 68.16.