India vs India A: Final preparation is full on with Rahul's return and a few surprises

Rather than focusing on day three of the simulation match, Indian cricketers were busy at the nets. This decision may have been influenced by Shubman Gill’s injury, as he will miss the Test series opener.

In the three-day India vs India A simulation match, the initial plan was a batter would return to the pavilion after his dismissal, just like the game. However, it was later changed to give one more chance after the first dismissal, as the batters were more comfortable in the second opportunity. 

Virat Kohli was busy adapting to the condition

Former Indian captain Virat Kohli struggled against the short-pitched deliveries during the simulation match. After scoring 15 runs, Kohli scored 30 not out. However, on Sunday, Kohli was seen only in warm-up, not in batting. 

Not only Kohli, but most of the Indian batters were working to face the short-pitched deliveries in the nets. 

Indian bowlers

On the second day, Indian bowlers were busy. While all the Indian bowlers delivered 15 overs each, Jasprit Bumrah bowled 18 overs. 

Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad impressed

On the second day of the simulation match, Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad impressed. Kishan smashed a sixer to Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was also in focus to work on the short-pitched deliveries.

On the other hand, Gaikwad strongly batted against the strongest Indian bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin. In the absence of Shubman Gill, Gaikwad can be an option for the Perth Test. 

KL Rahul was busy on day three

Indian cricket fans were worried about KL Rahul, who had an elbow injury while facing Prasidh Krishna on the first day of the simulation match. However, there is good news for the Indian cricket fans as Rahul was busy on Sunday. 

After facing top Indian bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, etc., on the centre pitch. Rahul also joined the nets to face old and new balls. His busyness echoed his readiness for the Test series opener.

However, after batting strongly, Rahul was reportedly bowled six times. 

Ravindra Jadeja batted

In the meantime, Ravindra Jadeja practiced with the bat on Sunday, but he wasn't seen in bowling practice. 

India's surprise choices

Harshit Rana has impressed both in the simulation game and nets. The 22-year-old uncapped right-arm fast bowler was in great form in domestic cricket. In the IPL 2024, he got 19 wickets in 13 games for the champions Kolkata Knight Riders. He can be a useful surprise for India on this Australia tour. 

Talking about the surprise, Nitish Reddy can be another option in the form of a pace-bowling all-rounder, which is important in the SENA countries. He and Prasidh Krishna reportedly troubled the Indian batters.