NEW DELHI: India captain Rohit Sharma will return to lead the side in the second Test against Australia at Adelaide Oval starting Friday after missing the first match to spend time with his family for the birth of his second child.
Following a strong opening partnership between KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the first innings of the first Test, the return of Rohit presents a selection dilemma for the team management. Will they stick with the Rahul-Jaiswal combination for the opening slot, or will Rahul make way for Rohit to open alongside Jaiswal?
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Former India head coach Ravi Shastri expressed his opinion on the matter saying the decision lies with Rohit, whether he chooses to open the batting or move to the middle order.
Speaking on the ICC Review, Shastri highlighted the significance of Rohit’s experience, noting that it could be a game-changer for India as they aim to take a 2-0 lead against an Australian side eager to level the series.
“It’s a fantastic boost because there’s no doubting his quality,” Shastri said. “He’s very experienced. You need that experience in the middle order.”
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Rohit started his Test career in the middle order before transitioning to an opening role. In 41 innings at No. 5 or lower, he has scored 1,474 runs at an average of 43.35, including nine half-centuries and three centuries.
While his best performances in the middle order have been at home, where he boasts an impressive average of 96.12, his record in Australia has been more modest. Rohit has managed 187 runs in seven innings at an average of 26.71, including a vital half-century in Melbourne during the 2018/19 series.
“It”s the right mix of experience and youth in the setup, so whether he opens the batting or goes in the middle order, the choice is his,” Shastri said.
Should India continue with KL Rahul-Yashasvi Jaiswal as openers?
“He’s experienced enough to see where he’s most dangerous when it comes to Australia. Where would Australia not like to see him? That’s the position he should choose. And he’s the leader of the pack, so he can afford to do that.”
Shastri also pointed out KL Rahul’s good form, highlighting his crucial 77 in the second innings in Perth, as another reason why Rohit should consider batting lower down the order.
“I think he (Rahul) should carry on (opening) because Rohit has not had much time since he’s come here (Australia),” Shastri said.
“Very quickly he had to play that Prime Minister’s XI game. But I would say carry on with the same setup. He [Rohit] can bat at five or six.”