Akash Deep Injury Update: Ruled Out of Sydney Test Match, Harshit Rana Likely Replacement

January 1, 2025 has been a rather contentious day for Indian cricket as nothing positive has been said about the team. First, there was the breakdown of the relationship between the Indian players and the team’s coach, Gautam Gambhir and then it was revealed that pace bowler Akash Deep is also injured and may not be able to play in the 5th Test match that is scheduled to be held in Sydney.

As per Express Sports, the star pacer is having back problems and may not be able to play for the next match, which is scheduled to start from 3rd of January. Harshit Rana is expected to come as the third seamer in the team. This has derailed India’s practice schedule for the SCG Test which is a very important match for the team. The team will also have to reshuffle their tactics and also be very cautious with the workload of Jasprit Bumrah to ensure that he does not get injured further.

With Akash Deep ruled out, Harshit Rana is set to join team and team will require a victory in order to make the series drawn 2-2. The team may also opt to replace Washington Sundar or Ravindra Jadeja by Prasidh Krishna. But since the wicket at the SCG is expected to be a spin friendly one, it is anticipated that India will not make many changes to their playing XI and will continue to have two spinners in their playing XI.

It seems that Harshit Rana’s inclusion is necessary for the Indian team especially with the absence of Akash Deep. However, the team is also likely to make other changes to boost up their team. There is a high possibility that Rishabh Pant will be dropped for the next Test match as he performed carelessly in the Melbourne Test match. His place could be taken by Dhruv Jurel, who was part of the first Test against Australia in Perth but did not get a chance in the next three tests, could make a comeback to the playing XI. This way the middle order will be more solid and the team will have a strong wicketkeeper-batsman.

Shubman Gill is expected to slot back into the pivotal No.3 spot in the batting order as India looks to consolidate their batting order. The team management is also thinking about their bowling plan especially keeping in mind the surface that will be used at the SCG. If the wicket doesn't spin as much as expected then either Washington Sundar or Ravindra Jadeja can be replaced by an another pace bowler. These changes are in line with India’s game plan to enhance their team and thus try to erase the deficit and give the series a 2-2 game standing.