Sun Nov 17 03:30:00 UTC 2024: ## India Calls Up Gaikwad and Padikkal as Injury Cover for Border-Gavaskar Trophy
**Perth, Australia –** With injury concerns mounting within the Indian Test squad, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devdutt Padikkal are set to remain in Australia as injury cover for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The news follows injuries to key players KL Rahul and Shubman Gill. Rahul sustained an injury on Friday, while Gill’s thumb injury casts doubt over his participation in the series opener on November 22nd.
Gaikwad, despite a less impressive showing in the India A matches against Australia A, impressed selectors with a strong performance in a recent intra-squad match in Perth, hitting four sixes. Padikkal, who has one Test cap under his belt, also performed well in the same practice match, showcasing his readiness for potential call-up.
Meanwhile, the return of experienced pacer Mohammed Shami is confirmed. Shami, recently recovered from injury, demonstrated his fitness by bowling over 40 overs and taking seven wickets in a Ranji Trophy match. He will join the Indian team in Australia shortly. The addition of Gaikwad and Padikkal provides much-needed batting depth as India battles injury concerns ahead of the crucial Test series.
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