As India gears up for the day-night Test against Australia in Adelaide, the spotlight remains on Rohit Sharma’s batting position. The Indian captain’s return, following his absence in the first Test due to paternity leave, has reignited discussions about the team’s batting order. Former Australian captains Michael Clarke and Aaron Finch believe that Rohit moving to No. 5 could be a game-changing move for India.
Rohit Sharma’s Role in the Line-Up
Rohit’s inclusion bolsters India’s batting strength, but his position in the line-up could influence the team’s strategy. The likely return of Shubman Gill to No. 3 and KL Rahul’s impressive performance as an opener in the Perth Test leave questions about where Rohit will fit in. Both Clarke and Finch support the idea of Rohit dropping down the order to No. 5, which could allow him to exploit his aggressive style against older balls and spinners like Nathan Lyon.
Clarke: Rohit at No. 5 Adds Balance
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke feels that batting at No. 5 suits Rohit’s strengths. Speaking on the Around the Wicket podcast, Clarke explained that this move could make Rohit a greater threat to Australia, particularly under lights with the pink ball.
“I think Rohit will bat at No. 5 in the Test match. KL Rahul will likely stay as the opener, and Shubman Gill should return to No. 3 after his recovery. With Virat at 4 and Rohit at 5, this gives the team balance. Rohit is aggressive, plays short balls well, and can dominate spin. Against someone like Nathan Lyon, he could be ultra-aggressive and disrupt Australia’s plans,” Clarke said.
Finch: A ‘Scary’ Proposition for Australia
Echoing Clarke’s views, Aaron Finch believes Rohit at No. 5 could be a nightmare for the Australian bowling attack. While Rohit’s career as a Test opener has been exceptional since 2019, Finch pointed out that he has a strong record in the middle order. Batting at No. 6, Rohit has an impressive average of 54.57, with three centuries in just 10 innings. Finch highlighted how Rohit’s presence in the middle order could exploit soft balls and tilt the game in India’s favor.
“If Rohit bats at five, it could be really scary for Australia. He’s capable of taking control against pace and spin, and his aggressive style could put pressure on the opposition. KL Rahul has been in excellent form, particularly in tough conditions, so it makes sense to keep him at the top,” Finch remarked.
Strategic Shift for India
Rohit’s versatility has been a key asset throughout his career. Before becoming a permanent opener in 2019, he had batted in various middle-order roles. His ability to adapt and perform in different positions offers India tactical flexibility, especially in the challenging conditions of a pink-ball Test.
Whether Rohit continues to open or moves down to No. 5, his approach will be crucial in determining India’s success in Adelaide. His aggressive mindset and ability to handle high-pressure situations could be pivotal in countering Australia’s bowling attack and securing a crucial victory in the series.
