Sunil Gavaskar makes a bold prediction on India's Playing XI for Boxing Day Test: 'Nitish Kumar Reddy must remain'

There are strong indications that Rohit Sharma may return to open the innings for India, with Washington Sundar also set to make a comeback in the playing XI. This move would see India fielding two spin-bowling all-rounders for the first time in the series. If Rohit does indeed open the batting, it could lead to significant changes in the batting order. KL Rahul is likely to move to No.3, taking over from a struggling Shubman Gill. Gill may be pushed down to No.4 or could possibly be replaced by Dhurv Jurel in the middle order.

Another school of thought suggests that Sundar plays in place of Gill to provide India with more bowling options. Given India's batting performances in this series, this, however, could be a risky move.

‘India can’t drop Nitish Reddy'

The straight swap should be between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Sundar. Reddy has been one of India's top batters down the order but his bowling hasn't been able to trouble the Australian batters that much. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, however, believes India should not drop Reddy.

"They can't drop Nitish Kumar Reddy. He is the fourth seamer. I can't see India going in with just two pacers and Nitish. For me, it is pretty much this XI that plays in MCG," Gavaskar said on Star Sports.

When asked if there was a possibility of India picking Harshit Rana, Gavaskar said Akash Deep should get another chance, especially after the heorics he showed with the bat to save the follow-on at the Gabba.

"Unlikely that Harshit will replace Akash Deep. Why would you drop a man who has saved your team from follow-on?" he asked.

The five-match series is currently locked 1-1.

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