India vs Australia: ‘Maybe KL Rahul can come in for Virat Kohli’ – Glenn McGrath suggests potential changes for India in Melbourne

The Indian team suffered an embarrassing 8-wicket defeat against the Aussies during the inaugural Test match in Adelaide. Moreover, Virat Kohli would fly back home ahead of the second five-day game at the MCG, Melbourne. This means that the visiting side needs to make several changes in their playing XI before taking the field on December 26, 2020.

Former Australian speedster Glenn McGrath suggested two ‘potential changes’ in the Indian line-up before they arrive at the MCG. He said that KL Rahul might come in for Virat Kohli in the middle-order as one of the replacements for the visitors. The veteran bowler also hailed the ‘unbelievable’ bowling performance by the kangaroos during the second innings at the Adelaide Oval.

“India had to start well. They needed to get a win on the board, but unfortunately, that hasn’t happened. It was an unbelievable bowling performance by Australia,” said McGrath in the post-match show on Sony Sports Network.

Also Read | India vs Australia: “Embarrassing, terrible and disgraceful” – Shoaib Akhtar slams India’s batting display

“Virat Kohli is such an impact player. Without him, it leaves a big hole but at the same time, it leaves an opportunity for other players to put their hand up. Maybe KL Rahul can come in for Virat Kohli,” he said.

Shubman Gill might come in for Prithvi Shaw: McGrath

Glenn McGrath said that India might play Shubman Gill instead of Prithvi Shaw to open the innings alongside Mayank Agarwal. Shaw had a horrible pink-ball Test match as got out for 0 and 4 in the two innings respectively. McGrath said that Gill played well during the ODIs against Australia, and deserves a spot in the Indian batting unit.

“The other option India has is Shubman Gill, who came out looking positive in One-Day series, he didn’t seem to be overawed by the stage, that to me would be one potential change at the top,” McGrath said.

“They need to know internally, how Shaw’s going. The captain, the coaches, the support staff will have to know that. The thing that I’m worried about is that he got out in the same way in two innings. That is a concern against bowlers like Cummins, Hazlewood and Starc. They’re gonna come at you always. The internal people will know it,” he signed off.

Also Read | India vs Australia: ‘With Virat Kohli absent, there’s almost no one to pick India back after a loss like that,’ says Ricky Ponting