Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli's bizarre step ahead of Gabba Test could prove to be big blow for India

Star Indian batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were not part of the optional practice session on the eve of the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy match against Pat Cummins' Australia which will be played at the Gabba in Brisbane, on December 14 (Saturday). The game is extremely crucial for India and their hopes of making it to the final of the World Test Championship Final for the third consecutive time. The series is currently levelled 1-1 after Aussies made a dominant comeback in Adelaide with a 10-wicket win following a 295-run thrashing at the hands of India in the series opener which was played in Perth.

Rohit, Virat's Adelaide struggle

Adelaide Test witnessed Indian batters become victims of Australia's lethal pace. However, there were lots of hopes with Kohli as he was coming into this match after hitting a stunning century in the Perth Test's second innings. On the other hand, Rohit was playing his first match of the series after missing out on the opener due to being on paternity leave. However, neither of them could leave a mark and fell short in front of the Australian attack, which resulted in India's embarrassing defeat.

Both of them did take part in the first Brisbane practice session and were seen working hard and overcoming the setbacks but their decision to miss the training session a day prior to the big Gabba Test has left a lot of questions towards the two-star players.

Virat and Rohit during first Brisbane practice

Following their dismal performance in Adelaide, the Indian hitters were practising for a considerable amount of time. Notably, the first nets practice was held after the complete squad landed in Brisbane on Wednesday, December 11. Virat Kohli was decisive in his technique and had excellent discipline in leaving the balls outside off stump. After facing the spinners initially, India's captain Rohit Sharma had to endure a fierce spell from Navdeep Saini, Yash Dayal, and left-arm throw-downs with an emphasis on putting deliveries outside the off stump.

What to expect in Gabba?

There will be a significant quantity of grass remaining on the field if early signs are to be considered. The field was well-covered with grass on Thursday, two days before the game began.

The rainy build-up could also benefit fast bowlers, as rain is predicted for the first two days of the Test and in the lead-up to it. The pre-Christmas Test in Brisbane is anticipated to have more pace and bounce because it is the first half of the Australian summer. In 2021, India played on a ground that improved steadily favouring batting, but this time around, that is unlikely to be the case.