Rohit Sharma, being the captain, will automatically get his place registered in the playing 11. The decision to pick openers, however, would be taken between Shubman Gill and KL Rahul as who would be opening the Indian innings along with Rohit Sharma.
1. Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill is in the best form of his life. As an opener, he first hit his maiden ODI double-ton, and a few days later he hit his maiden T20I ton. Moreover, he has some impressive stats as an opener in Test Cricket too. His impactful innings of 91 runs at the Gabba is still one of the best innings by an opener on foreign soil. Hence, not featuring him in the playing 11 for the first Test will not be considered as a good decision.
Also read: IND vs AUS 1st Test: This Australian might debut in the opening test of Border-Gavaskar Test Series
2. KL Rahul
KL Rahul is currently playing in the middle order of the Indian ODI team. However, his performance in Test Cricket as an opener has been very impressive over the years. Hence, considering his cemented place in the Indian Test team, it would not be a surprise if the Team Management decides to play KL Rahul ahead of Shubman Gill.
Note: KL Rahul is the vice-captain for the first two Tests against Australia. Hence, he will surely be given a place in the playing 11, but at which spot, is still a question.
