“Rohit Sharma Should Open Again”: Gavaskar Urges Big Change in India’s Batting Lineup
Following India’s disappointing loss in the pink-ball Test against Australia, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has proposed a significant change in the batting lineup for the upcoming third Test. Gavaskar has urged captain Rohit Sharma to return to his usual opening position, partnering with Yashasvi Jaiswal, while KL Rahul should move down to the No. 5 or No. 6 spot.
India’s batting struggles in Adelaide highlighted key vulnerabilities, with Rohit batting unusually at No. 6 to accommodate Rahul at the top. Gavaskar believes it’s time for the skipper to reclaim his opening role to strengthen India’s start in the crucial Brisbane Test.
Gavaskar’s Take on Rohit’s Position
Speaking on Sports Tak, Sunil Gavaskar explained his reasoning for the batting reshuffle:
“He [Rohit Sharma] should return to his regular spot. We should remember why Rahul had opened. He did that because Rohit was not available for the first Test,” Gavaskar said. “Now I can understand why they kept him as an opener in the second Test, he had a 200-plus partnership with Jaiswal. 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,” he added.
Gavaskar also highlighted Rohit’s ability to score big runs when given the opportunity to open, emphasizing the potential for the Indian captain to deliver a match-winning century.
Rohit Sharma on India’s Pink-Ball Test Defeat
In the post-match press conference, Rohit Sharma reflected on India’s shortcomings in Adelaide, pointing out missed opportunities with both bat and ball.
“A disappointing week for us, we didn’t play well, and Australia played better cricket than us and won the Test match. We failed to grab our opportunities. We didn’t bat well enough, probably 30-40 runs short with the bat in the first innings. There were opportunities when Australia were batting and we failed to take those chances. When you miss those chances, it’s never easy,” Rohit had said in the press conference.
The Indian captain’s candid admission underscores the importance of improving batting partnerships and capitalizing on key moments heading into the Brisbane Test.
Why Rohit’s Opening Role Matters
Rohit Sharma’s record as an opener in Test cricket is exceptional, and his ability to dominate bowlers early on can set the tone for the team. With Yashasvi Jaiswal showing promise at the top, reinstating Rohit as his partner could provide a stable foundation for the Indian batting lineup.
Meanwhile, KL Rahul has shown his versatility in the middle order in past series, making him a suitable candidate for the No. 5 or No. 6 position. This reshuffle could not only strengthen India’s batting depth but also alleviate the pressure on Rahul to deliver as an opener after a low-scoring outing in Adelaide.
What to Expect in the 3rd Test
With the series delicately poised, the third Test in Brisbane presents a crucial opportunity for India to bounce back. Gavaskar’s suggestion, if implemented, could provide a much-needed boost to the team’s batting unit. All eyes will now be on Rohit Sharma and the team management to decide whether this tactical adjustment will be made.