The Indian team is all set to take on Australia in the upcoming high-octane five-match Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), scheduled to begin on November 22.

A Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) star could reportedly be in line to win their first Test title when India takes the field for the series opener in Perth.

Talented speedster Harshit Rana, who had a breakthrough campaign earlier this year in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) and was retained by the franchise ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, is expected to earn a place in the playing XI of India.

This tactical move comes when the Indian management is likely to field four pacers for this game.

Furthermore, Rana’s selection in the team is seen as an important step in bolstering India’s pace attack against Australia, especially in the absence of experienced pacer Mohammed Shami, and he will look to make this new chapter of his career full force. .

India will rely heavily on pacers for Perth Test

The pitch at Perth’s Optus Stadium is expected to offer bounce and carry, making Harshit Rana a strong candidate to add firepower to India’s fast bowling attack.

India are also expected to lean significantly on their pace attack. The team is likely to opt for just one spinner, with Ravindra Jadeja expected to be preferred over Ravichandran Ashwin. The Indian selectors are also keen on offering all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy his debut to have an additional fifth pace option.

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As for the rest of the pace department, Jasprit Bumrah will lead the charge and will likely be accompanied by Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, completing the Indian bowling attack.

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