Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s decision to bat at No.6 during the first innings of the pink-ball Test against Australia has sparked a debate among cricketing greats. While Sunil Gavaskar supported the move, Ricky Ponting voiced concerns, warning that it could have lasting implications on Rohit’s Test career.
Rohit Struggles on Return to Test Cricket
Making his return to the Test XI after a month-long break, Rohit Sharma shifted to the middle order to accommodate KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top. The pair had impressed in the first Test with a 200-run partnership. However, Rohit’s experiment in the middle-order didn’t yield results, as he managed only three runs from 23 balls before being dismissed.
India, too, struggled collectively with the bat, folding for a modest 180 in their first innings.
Gavaskar: “A Sensible Decision”
Defending Rohit’s move to bat lower down the order, Sunil Gavaskar highlighted the challenges of returning to Test cricket after a long gap. He noted that the pink ball, along with India’s lack of experience in day-night Tests, made it prudent for Rohit to ease himself back in.
“Rahul and Jaiswal had a fantastic partnership in the previous Test. You don’t want to disrupt that momentum. Additionally, Rohit hasn’t played serious cricket for over a month. Dropping himself down the order was the right decision, allowing him to assess the game and conditions better,” Gavaskar explained.
Ponting: “Rohit Risks Staying at No.6 Permanently”
Ricky Ponting, however, had a different take. The former Australian captain expressed concerns that Rohit might now find himself stuck in the middle order for the remainder of his Test career.
“I disagree with Sunny. Rohit should’ve opened. KL Rahul, while performing well recently, has been a fringe player for years. By allowing him to retain the opening slot, Rohit might have lost his chance to return to his preferred position,” Ponting said.
Ponting also highlighted the strong performances of Shubman Gill at No.3 and the unlikelihood of a reshuffle in the top order, leaving No.6 as Rohit’s only viable position.
“He’s a quality player, but his record against Australia isn’t great, with just one century to his name. Batting in the middle order for the first time in years is a bold decision, but it could set a precedent for his remaining career,” Ponting added.
Rohit’s Form Under Scrutiny
Rohit Sharma has had a challenging year in Test cricket, with only one half-century in his last five home Tests. His captaincy also came under fire following India’s rare 0-3 home series loss to New Zealand in November.
The Road Ahead
As India aims to bounce back in the pink-ball Test, Rohit’s role in the batting order remains a critical talking point. Whether he reclaims his opening spot or adapts to a new position will not only impact his career but could also influence India’s strategy moving forward.
