IND vs AUS: Here are five key questions for India ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy

India faces a number of challenges as they prepare for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, starting on November 22 in Perth. After a surprising 3-0 loss to New Zealand, India has dropped to second place in the World Test Championship standings, and they must perform well against Australia to secure a place in the final at Lord’s next year.

Here are five key questions that India needs to address before the first Test:

1. Form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been central to India’s batting success for over a decade, but both are struggling with form. In the recent home series, Rohit scored just 133 runs from 10 innings, while Kohli managed 192 runs at a low average. With the series against Australia crucial for India's WTC hopes, both batters need to regain their best form and lead the team’s charge.

2. Choosing the Right Bowling Attack for Perth
Perth is known for its fast pitches, but spinners can still play an important role at the venue. Nathan Lyon has been very successful at Perth Stadium, and India has three strong spinners in their squad. The team management will need to decide on the right combination of pace and spin to take on Australia, especially with conditions likely to vary.

3. Stabilizing the Batting Order  
India has made a few changes in their lower-order batting positions recently, which has led to inconsistency. One example is Sarfaraz Khan, who scored 150 in his first Test but has struggled with his batting after moving up and down the order. Clarity on the batting positions will be crucial for India to get a solid start in the series.

4. Who Will Be the Lead Spinner?
India has three potential lead spinners: Ravindra Jadeja, who has had success in Australia before, Ravichandran Ashwin, who has over 500 Test wickets, and Washington Sundar, who is in good form. Choosing the right spinner will depend on the pitch conditions and the opposition’s batting line-up. India may not have the luxury of playing all three spinners, so the final choice will be critical.

5. The Mohammed Siraj Dilemma  
With Mohammed Shami missing the series due to injury, India must decide who will partner Jasprit Bumrah in the pace attack. Mohammed Siraj has been struggling with form, having taken only six wickets in four Tests at an expensive average of 42.33. If Siraj doesn't find form, India may have to rely on less experienced pacers like Prasidh Krishna or Harshit Rana.

With these questions on their minds, India needs to find quick answers to stay competitive in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and keep their World Test Championship hopes alive.