As the Indian cricket team gears up for the second Test against Australia, a major talking point is where captain Rohit Sharma will fit into the batting lineup. Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has weighed in on the debate, asserting that Rohit should bat in the top four and that a move to the middle order would not benefit the team.
Harbhajan’s Stance: Rohit Belongs at the Top
“Rohit Sharma batting at number five or six doesn’t make sense. He should either open with Yashasvi Jaiswal or come in at number three,” Harbhajan said while attending the launch of the World Tennis Cricket League. He emphasized the importance of having reliable players in the top four positions, calling them the “pillars” of the batting order.
Opening Conundrum: Rahul or Rohit?
The dilemma arises from the stellar opening partnership between KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the first Test, where the pair amassed a 201-run stand in the second innings. With Shubman Gill expected to slot in at number three and Virat Kohli a certainty at number four, there is little room for flexibility. If Rohit returns as an opener, Rahul may have to move down the order, a scenario Harbhajan believes is less than ideal.
“Rohit at the top adds greater stability and momentum to the innings,” Harbhajan remarked.
Rohit’s Success as an Opener
Rohit’s switch to the opening role in Test cricket in 2019 marked a turning point in his red-ball career. Against South Africa in his first series as an opener, he amassed 529 runs in four innings at an average of 132.25, including three centuries. Since then, he has solidified his position at the top, scoring 2,685 runs in 37 Tests at an average of 44.01, with nine centuries and a highest score of 212.
A Middle-Order Past
Before becoming a Test opener, Rohit spent much of his career in the middle and lower-middle order. Despite his white-ball dominance, he struggled to establish himself in Test cricket until his move to the top order, which rejuvenated his career in the format.
Harbhajan’s Final Word
Harbhajan strongly believes that Rohit’s batting position is critical to India’s success, especially in high-stakes matches. “Your top four need to be rock-solid. Someone like Rohit Sharma at the top provides a crucial boost to the team’s prospects,” he concluded.
As India prepares for the pink-ball Test, all eyes will be on the team management’s decision regarding Rohit’s batting order, a move that could significantly influence the game’s outcome.
