Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar Call for Rohit Sharma’s Return as Opener

Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar Call for Rohit Sharma’s Return as Opener

Former India cricketers Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar have urged Rohit Sharma to reclaim his spot as an opener. The call comes after Rohit dropped down to No. 6 in the second Test of the series and failed to deliver with scores of 3 and 6 in India’s 10-wicket defeat.

Both Shastri and Gavaskar believe that Rohit is better as an opener. This lets him play aggressively and set the team’s tone.

Shastri Advocates for Aggressive Rohit at the Top

On Star Sports, Ravi Shastri said Rohit’s game is best as an opener. It lets him be more expressive.

“That’s the reason I want him at the top. That’s where he can be aggressive and expressive. Just thought he was a little too subdued, just seeing his body language,” Shastri said.

The former India coach also pointed out that Rohit’s lack of involvement in the match was evident.

“The fact that he didn’t make runs, I don’t think there was enough on the field there. I just wanted to see him more involved, and a little more animated,” Shastri added.

Rohit’s Decision to Bat in the Middle Order

Rohit Sharma missed the first Test for personal reasons. So, KL Rahul opened with Yashasvi Jaiswal. After Rahul’s strong showing in the first match—26 and 77 in a 201-run partnership with Jaiswal—Rohit chose to bat at No. 6 for the pink-ball Test in Adelaide.

Before the match, Rohit admitted it was tough to drop down the order. But, it was best for the team.

“Personally, it was not easy. But for the team, yes, it made a lot of sense,” Rohit said, speaking about his decision to bat in the middle order for the first time since 2018.

However, the move did not yield results as Rohit failed to make an impact with the bat.

Gavaskar Weighs In: Rohit Should Reclaim Opening Spot

Sunil Gavaskar also voiced his opinion. He called for Rohit to return to his regular opening position. On Sports Tak, Gavaskar reminded fans why Rahul opened in the first Test.

“He should return to his regular spot. We should remember why Rahul had opened. He did that because Rohit Sharma was not available for the first Test,” Gavaskar said.

Rahul’s partnership with Jaiswal in the first Test justified keeping him as an opener. But, Gavaskar thinks his poor showing in the second Test—failing to score big in either innings—warrants a change.

“But now that he couldn’t score this Test, I feel Rahul should go back to No. 5 or No.6 and Rohit Sharma should open. If Rohit scores quickly in the beginning, then he can score a big century also later,” Gavaskar added.

Rahul’s Mixed Results

KL Rahul started the series well. He scored 26 and 77 in the first Test. His efforts helped India win by 295 runs in Perth. His cautious play in the second Test has raised doubts about his consistency as an opener.

Gavaskar and Shastri both agree. Rohit’s record and aggressive style make him the best choice to open with Jaiswal in the upcoming matches.

Key Highlights:

• Ravi Shastri believes Rohit Sharma’s aggressive style is best suited for the opening role.
• Sunil Gavaskar suggests KL Rahul return to the middle order after his struggles in the second Test.
• Rohit Sharma dropped to No. 6 for the first time since 2018 but managed just 3 and 6 in the Adelaide Test.

India needs their skipper to find his form. He must lead in the crucial, remaining matches of the series.