Rohit Sharma appears poised to step away from his usual opening role in the second Test against Australia in Adelaide. This strategic adjustment could come at the cost of Shubman Gill’s batting position, cricket commentator Sanjay Manjrekar suggests.
Rohit, who batted at No. 4 during the pink-ball warm-up match against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra, provided a strong indication of this potential change. The move is a response to the exceptional performance of the opening pair Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul in the second innings of the Perth Test.
The Perth Success: A Selection Dilemma
In the first Test, Jaiswal and Rahul forged a record-breaking 201-run partnership for the opening wicket, setting the foundation for India’s massive 295-run victory. Rahul’s gritty 77 and Jaiswal’s dominant 161 have created a dilemma for team management, who are now cautious about disrupting this winning combination.
Manjrekar highlighted the significance of this decision, explaining that India is prioritizing cricket logic and form over seniority and stature. “A record 200-run opening partnership in Australia is not something you dismantle lightly,” he said on ESPNCricinfo.
Rohit’s Role and Possible Batting Order
While Rohit could return to his opening role, Manjrekar believes the skipper is likely to volunteer for a middle-order position to maintain the current top-order dynamic. He predicts Rohit could bat at No. 3, a position not vastly different from opening, while Gill may take up the No. 5 spot.
Manjrekar explained that batting at No. 5 would help ease Gill into the series, especially since this will be his first Test in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The adjustment would provide Gill with a better opportunity to contribute effectively while minimizing pressure.
Strategic Thinking in Indian Cricket
Manjrekar also suggested that Indian cricket should evolve its perspective on batting positions, taking cues from T20 cricket. “Flexibility is key,” he said, urging the team to prioritize strategies that make cricketing sense over rigidly adhering to traditional roles.
As India aims to extend their series lead in the day-night Test at Adelaide, the batting order reshuffle could prove pivotal. The match begins on Friday, and all eyes will be on how Rohit and the team management navigate this tactical decision.
