Shubman Gill Left Out of India’s XI for Boxing Day Test

India opts for Washington Sundar as a second spinner, reshuffling the batting order at the MCG.

Shubman Gill was excluded from the Playing XI for the fourth Test against Australia to accommodate all-rounder Washington Sundar as a second spinner.
India's assistant coach, Abhishek Nayar, explained that the decision was based on the pitch conditions and the need for variation in the bowling attack as the ball ages.
The move shifts Rohit Sharma back to the opening slot, with KL Rahul likely batting at No. 3, reducing the team to five specialist batters.
Gill, considered a key future prospect, had shown promise in earlier matches but struggled to convert starts into significant scores during this series.
The team management emphasized the decision was tactical rather than a reflection on Gill's form, highlighting the importance of team balance in specific conditions.