Team India encountered another injury concern just days before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia. Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal took a painful blow to the neck during a net session at the WACA in Perth on Tuesday, November 19.
India is already dealing with Shubman Gill’s thumb injury, while captain Rohit Sharma is set to miss the opening Test of the high-stakes five-match series, starting November 22. Losing another player could further complicate India’s plans in Australia.
Reports say Yashasvi Jaiswal was hit on his back by a ball during fielding practice at the WACA. Fortunately, he escaped any major injury and returned to batting practice shortly afterward.
According to Sports Tak, the left-handed opener batted for more than 35 minutes after the incident and is fit to play in the first Test against Australia at Perth’s Optus Stadium.
This injury scare adds to India’s growing concerns, with key batter Shubman Gill already struggling with fitness. Gill’s availability for the first two Tests remains uncertain.
Yashasvi Jaiswal is expected to play a crucial role at the top of the order as India aims to defend the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and secure a third consecutive Test series win on Australian soil.
India’s preparations have hit a snag with Shubman Gill sustaining a thumb fracture during match practice at the WACA. Gill picked up the injury while fielding at slip and is expected to miss the series opener. He is also doubtful for the second Test in Adelaide.
Adding to the challenges, captain Rohit Sharma will skip the first Test to be with his family after the birth of his second child on November 15.
Rohit is likely to rejoin the squad during the Perth Test and return to action in the second Test—a pink-ball match in Adelaide. In his absence, Jasprit Bumrah will lead the team in Perth.
The five-match series holds immense importance for India’s World Test Championship (WTC) campaign. To guarantee a spot in the WTC final next year in England without relying on other results, India must achieve a 4-0 victory over Australia in this BGT 2024-25.
