NEW DELHI: A buoyant Indian cricket team is set to face Australia in the second match of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Adelaide Oval, starting Friday. Leading 1-0 in the five-match series after a dominant 295-run victory in Perth, India are looking to extend their lead in the Pink Ball Test.
India’s squad received a significant boost with the arrival of skipper Rohit Sharma, who missed the first Test due to the birth of his second child. In Rohit’s absence, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal opened the innings in Perth, putting together a record 201-run partnership in the second innings, a key factor in India’s triumph.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy
With Rohit’s return, the Indian think tank now faces a dilemma over the batting order.
Loud taunts, players heckled during Team India nets in Adelaide
During a discussion on Star Sports, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar shared his thoughts on the potential XI and where Rohit Sharma should bat.
“He [Rohit Sharma] opens the batting. Short square boundaries will suit his kind of batting,” Gavaskar stated. “Rahul drops down to No.6, in place of Jurel. And at No.3, Shubman Gill comes in place of Devdutt Padikkal. That would be my XI.”
KL Rahul Press Conference ahead of 2nd Test
Gavaskar also weighed in on the bowling combination, suggesting changes based on the pitch conditions in Adelaide. “I would maybe look at Washington Sundar‘s place. Nitish Reddy will have to stay because it’s a pink-ball Test; he will be your fourth seamer, fourth bowler. Whether you want to bring in Ashwin or Jadeja, that’s the call they have to take once they go and see what the pitch has on offer.”
When asked about concerns over Rohit Sharma’s form, Gavaskar dismissed any apprehensions. “No, not at all. Somebody of his class and calibre – it doesn’t matter at all. The first time he comes in, he can get a hundred just like that. No worries.”
WATCH:
With Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill potentially making a return, India’s playing XI in Adelaide will be closely watched as they look to solidify their lead in the series. The Pink Ball Test promises to be an exciting contest under the lights at the Adelaide Oval.
The ideal batting positions for Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill