With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy tied at 1-1, the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane presents a crucial challenge for Team India. Beyond the battle for supremacy, India’s hopes for the World Test Championship (WTC) final hinge on the outcome of this match. Former India selector Saba Karim has weighed in with a comprehensive plan to address India’s tactical and selection dilemmas ahead of this high-stakes encounter.
Rohit Sharma: Return to Opening Role Essential
Rohit Sharma’s decision to bat at No. 6 in the Adelaide Test raised eyebrows after KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal were retained as openers. However, the Indian skipper struggled in the middle order, managing just 3 and 6 in the two innings. Saba Karim believes that Rohit’s strength lies at the top of the order, and a return to his familiar role as opener is crucial for India’s success.
“Rohit should have opened in Adelaide. He is a natural opener and has proven his worth in that position. This change can help stabilize India’s batting in the first innings, which has been a concern in this series,” said Karim in an interaction with The Hindustan Times. He suggested KL Rahul should adapt to a middle-order role, given his experience as a flexible batter in previous matches.
Strengthen the Batting: Jadeja Over Ashwin
India’s lack of impactful batting contributions from the lower order has been a recurring issue. To address this, Karim advocated for Ravindra Jadeja to replace Ravichandran Ashwin in Brisbane.
“Jadeja offers a dual advantage—he can add depth to the batting lineup at No. 7 and provide accuracy and discipline as a left-arm spinner. His inclusion would allow Rohit to rotate pacers more effectively,” Karim opined. He acknowledged Ashwin’s brilliance but emphasized Jadeja’s ability to deliver in challenging conditions like those at the Gabba.
Harshit Rana Deserves Another Chance
Despite a mixed debut in Perth, young pacer Harshit Rana impressed with his ability to generate pace and bounce. Karim urged the team management to retain Rana for the Gabba Test, citing the conditions as ideal for his skill set.
“Dropping Rana after one subpar game would be unfair. Brisbane’s fast and bouncy surface is tailor-made for his strengths, and he deserves another opportunity,” he added.
Monitoring Jasprit Bumrah’s Workload
India’s bowling spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, has shouldered a significant workload in the series, raising concerns about his fitness. The 31-year-old was seen holding his abductor muscle during the Adelaide Test, sparking speculation about his ability to play all five matches in the series.
“The team management and support staff need to monitor Bumrah closely. His participation in all five Tests must be carefully evaluated to avoid long-term injuries,” Karim stated.
The Mohammed Shami Dilemma
With Mohammed Shami recovering from an injury, Karim suggested that the experienced pacer could be considered for the fourth Test in Melbourne.
“Shami has been building his fitness through domestic cricket. If he clears fitness tests at the National Cricket Academy, he should be drafted in for the fourth Test. However, expecting him to be ready for the Gabba may be unrealistic,” he remarked.
The Key to Victory: First-Innings Batting
Karim emphasized the importance of posting a competitive first-innings score, suggesting a target of 340-350 runs to put pressure on Australia.
“The key is to bat well in the first innings. A solid total will give our bowlers the cushion they need to dominate,” he said.
Conclusion
As India prepares for the challenge of the Gabba, Saba Karim’s strategic inputs provide a roadmap for success. With crucial adjustments in the batting order, the inclusion of Jadeja, and faith in young talents like Harshit Rana, India can aim to turn the tide in their favor and take a step closer to clinching the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
