NEW DELHI: Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar criticised India's team selection for the Boxing Day Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia on Thursday, calling the decision to drop Shubman Gill "harsh."
India captain Rohit Sharma confirmed at the toss that Gill would miss out on the Boxing Day Test, with Washington Sundar coming into the playing XI. Rohit also mentioned he would bat at the top of the order.
"We would have batted as well. The series is 1-1, a lot to play for, it gives us a perfect opportunity to show what we are as a team. Whatever situation lies in front of you, you have to fight. It's a new day and we are looking forward to it. We have one change - Gill misses out and Washington comes in. (On whether he will bat at the top of the order?) Yes, I will," Rohit said at the toss.
Australia won the toss and opted to bat first in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Taking to his official X handle, Manjrekar expressed surprise over the selection, calling it "strange" and noting that the change did not significantly strengthen either the bowling or the batting. He added that dropping Gill was particularly harsh.
"Strange selection of the playing XI. On a non-turning pitch, the change made neither strengthens the bowling much nor the batting. Gill dropped, is harsh," Manjrekar wrote on X.
The series is currently tied at 1-1, with both teams vying for an important series lead in the Boxing Day Test as they aim for a spot in the ICC World Test Championship final.
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