Indian seamer a doubtful starter for BGT 2024-25 5th Test due to a back issue - Reports

Team India pacer Akash Deep is in doubt for the upcoming fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 Test against Australia in Sydney due to a back injury. The right-arm bowler has bowled his heart out across two successive matches, though his efforts have not reflected in the wickets column.

Bowling 75 overs in the last two Tests has apparently taken a toll on Deep's back. The pacer, who was not considered for the initial phase of the series in Perth and Adelaide, could make way for Harshit Rana for the finale. According to a report by The Indian Express, Akash Deep's injury is likely to trigger a major change in the bowling combination for Team India.

Aside from Rana's return to the playing XI, one of the spin bowling all-rounders in Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja may also be dropped to include Prasidh Krishna. There is already concern regarding Jasprit Burmah's workload, and after bowling 53 overs in Melbourne, coupled with a short time for recovery ahead of the fifth Test, he may need assistance from others.

Despite picking up only five wickets at an average of 54, Akash Deep made an impression with the ball in his two outings, as the pacer tested the batters on a consistent basis with his probing lines.

Team India considering dropping Rishabh Pant for Dhruv Jurel

Amid reports that head coach Gautam Gambhir is unsatisfied with the Indian batters' judgment and not playing in the team's interest, Rishabh Pant may be the first candidate on the firing line. The left-handed batter was dismissed while playing expansive shots across both innings in Melbourne, with his final day blunder leading to a collapse that ensured Australia ran away with the series lead.

As per the same report, India are seriously contemplating dropping Pant in favor of fellow wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel. The latter had impressed in the second unofficial Test against Australia A and even played the series opener in Perth in Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill's absence.

Jurel's impressive start to his Test career after taking over from KS Bharat was interrupted by Rishabh Pant's return to the international circuit. The 23-year-old was on the bench for the entirety of the home season, with Pant preferred as the senior candidate and his red-ball success in the past.