IND vs AUS: India's Predicted Playing XI for 1st Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy

The Indian cricket team is gearing up for a tough battle against Australia in the upcoming Bordar- Gavaskar Trophy. The first Test match is slated to begin on 9th Feb 2022 at Vidharbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. The Indian squad is stacked with talent but it would be a headache for the captain and the coach to select a perfect playing XI for the match.

Based on the form and past performances however, let's look at the best playing XI that should go against the Australian team ni 1st Test.

Top order

Rohit Sharma Shubman Gill (Image source: Twitter)

The opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will be crucial in setting the tone for the team in the first Test. The Indian captain has a wealth of experience and has proven himself as some of the best openers in the world. Sharma, who is known for his aggressive style of play, will be looking to make a big impact in this series, while Gill has been in excellent form and will be looking to continue his good run of form. It would also be a good opportunity for Sharma to cross the 10,000 run mark in Tests as he currently sits at 9782.

The top order will be anchored by Cheteshwar Pujara, who has been in excellent form and will be looking to continue his good run of form. At home, Pujara has made 3699 runs at an average of 54.39 and would go into the series as one of the most dependable batters.

Middle-order, All-rounders

Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel (Image source: Twitter)

Virat Kohli will lead the middle order of the team and provide steely determination to the side. His record of 14628 runs in 104 Test matches speaks for itself. He will have the opportunity to inch closer to Sachin Tendulkar's 100 international centuries as he currently stands at 74. The team's middle-order batting will be further solidified by Shreyas Iyer and KS Bharat who have had incredible international and domestic seasons respectively. Iyer has made 624 runs in 12 innings at an average of 56.7. Bharat meanwhile has been immense in the First Class having made 4707 runs in just 135 innings with a best score of 308.

Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin- these players will be expected to contribute with both bat and ball and will be key in providing balance to the team.

Bowlers

Mohammed Shami Mohammed Siraj

The team's bowling attack will be led by the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav. Yadav has a wealth of experience and is known for his ability to take wickets in all conditions. He will be expected to play a big role in this series. The pace attack will be led by Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami, who are both known for their ability to take wickets and will be expected to make a big impact in this series.

Siraj recently became the number 1 bowler in ODI and he would be looking to bring in his form into the Test match as well.

India predicted playing XI for 1st Test vs Australia: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj

In conclusion, the India team looks well-equipped to take on the Australian team in the upcoming 1st Test match. With a strong lineup that includes a powerful opening pair, an experienced middle order, all-rounders and a potent bowling attack, the team will be looking to make a big impact in this series. The players will be looking to play to their strengths and will be determined to come out on top in this battle against Australia.