Cheteshwar Pujara Urges Rohit Sharma to Bat in Middle Order
As the third Test in Brisbane nears, Cheteshwar Pujara has advised Indian captain Rohit Sharma to move to the middle order. This would help Team India’s long-term prospects. The match at the Gabba, set for December 14, is crucial in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25.
Pujara, on ESPNcricinfo, said Rohit’s sacrifice would help Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. They are promising openers. It would solidify India’s future batting lineup.
Rohit Sharma’s Recent Struggles
Rohit Sharma’s performance is under scrutiny after a poor showing in the second Test at the Adelaide Oval. Against Australia’s strong bowlers, Sharma scored only 3 and 6 runs. He fell to Scott Boland and Pat Cummins. His struggles date to a poor series against New Zealand. This has put the Indian skipper under pressure to deliver.
“He was not among the runs against New Zealand and had an ordinary outing in Australia. He is under pressure to perform and Rohit will have to work on his footwork and remain positive. A bigger stride will help him in Australia,” he said on ESPNcricinfo.
“He has been troubled by the off-stump line and mode of is dismissals are bowled and LBW, which is worrying. He will have to work on his batting in the nets. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal are Team India’s future and Rohit should allow them to continue as openers. Rohit can bat at no.6. Rahul and Jaiswal were magnificent in the first Test and Shubman Gill is the best candidate for the no.3 slot. We should think about long term,” he added.
Team India’s Key Decisions Ahead of the Gabba Test
With the third Test starting on December 14, the Indian team must decide on their batting order. If Rohit Sharma heeds Pujara’s advice, the lineup may change. Rahul and Jaiswal would open. Shubman Gill would bat at No. 3
Pujara’s call to action stresses the need for long-term planning in Indian cricket. This may require sacrifices from senior players like Rohit Sharma.
