Virat Kohli's form

Team India stalwart Virat Kohli is currently going through a lean patch in the longest format of the game. In the concluded Test series against New Zealand, the veteran managed to garner 93 runs, including four single-digit scores across six innings. The star Indian batsman who has dominated the bowlers wherever he went will aim to regain his form ahead of the BGT

Opening pair woes

With Rohit Sharma struggling to find himself among runs, the pressure has developed on left-handed opening batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal. Ahead of the first Test against Australia, the skipper is set to miss following the birth of his second child. There are chances for KL Rahul to shoulder Jaiswal for the opening slot. Shubman Gill could be another option but will miss out on the opening game following his injury. Abhimanyu Easwaran might find a place in the XI but will be a point to look out for if he opens the innings

Too much pressure on Jasprit Bumrah?

As Rohit will miss the first Test, Jasprit Bumrah will take the leadership role following his appointment as deputy. The pacer is lacking support from the other end as veteran pacer Mohammed Shami fell short of securing his place in the team. Mohammed Siraj, too is struggling to take wickets

Gautam Gambhir's coaching under surveillance

Gautam Gambhir took the coaching responsibility after Team India's T20 World Cup 2024 triumph. But the time has not been for Gambhir since then. After the recent whitewash against the Kiwis on home soil, Indian cricket pundits have started questioning the head coach's tactics

Spin trouble on the table

Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja's recent performances in the New Zealand series were not up to the mark of their standards. Where NZ's spinners Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel showcased their prowess, the hosts' tweakers found it difficult to bring their A-game. With Washington Sundar also in the squad, there are fewer chances of two spinners making the cut in the playing XI keeping in mind the bouncy tracks in Australia