BGT 2024-25: Shubman Gill ruled out of first test in Perth, Devdutt Padikkal asked to stay with the squad - Reports

Shubman Gill has reportedly suffered a hairline fracture on his left thumb.

Even before the start of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024/25, the Indian cricket team have been handed an injury blow that has set back their preparations for the first test match as Shubman Gill has reportedly been ruled out due to a thumb injury.

The five-match test series between India and Australia will get underway on November 22 at the Optus Stadium in Perth. India are the current holders of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy; they have defeated Australia in their last four test series, including twice on Australian soil.

Their plans for the opening test of the upcoming rubber took a hit as Gill, according to Cricbuzz, is certain to miss it due to a hairline fracture on his left thumb.

On Saturday, Gill sustained an injury on his left thumb while fielding during India’s match simulation exercise at the WACA ground in Perth. The reports reveal that the India No. 3 has suffered a hairline fracture that will keep him out of the Perth test. 

India would be hoping that Gill recovers in time for the second test in Adelaide, which is a day-night affair set to begin on December 6.

Devdutt Padikkal asked to stay back with the test squad as Gill’s cover – Reports

According to a report in ESPNcricinfo, left-handed batsman Devdutt Padikkal has been told to stay back with the test squad and could be added to the squad for the Perth test.

Padikkal was part of the India A team that faced Australia A in two first-class matches recently. In those games, the left-hander made 36, 88, 26 and 1. He has a first-class average of 42 in 40 games.

Another option that India can consider to be held back, not just for the Perth test but for the entire tour, is Ruturaj Gaikwad, who captained India A but had a dismal time in both matches, managing three single-digit scores and a score of 11. Gaikwad, though, looked comfortable during the match simulation training.

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