India to Drop Shubman Gill as Rohit Sharma Returns to Open in 4th Test
India will change their batting order for the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the MCG. Captain Rohit Sharma will return to open with Yashasvi Jaiswal. The change could see KL Rahul moving to the No. 3 position, potentially at the expense of Shubman Gill, Dhruv Jurel could replace Gill in the playing XI.
Rohit Sharma to Reclaim Opening Slot
Since taking on the role of an opener in 2019, Rohit Sharma has been a prolific run-scorer in Test cricket. He has scored 2,685 runs in 64 innings. His average is an impressive 44.01. He has nine centuries and eight half-centuries.
However, in recent matches, Rohit gave up his opening spot to accommodate KL Rahul. He has struggled at No. 3 , scoring just 19 runs in three innings this series. Rohit’s return to the top of the order is expected to stabilize the batting lineup. It should also maximize his potential as a Test opener.
In the WTC, Rohit has scored 2,704 runs in 39 matches. His average is 42.25, with nine centuries. These stats show he can lead from the front. This is true, especially in high-stakes matches like the Boxing Day Test.
KL Rahul to Bat at No. 3
KL Rahul has been India’s most consistent batter at the top order in this series. With 201 runs in the opening Test with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rahul has shown his class. He has also shown his adaptability.
Moving Rahul to No. 3 will provide a reliable anchor in the middle order, but it could mean Shubman Gill’s exclusion from the XI. Gill has struggled to turn starts into big scores. His last fifty outside India was in 2021.
Potential Changes in India’s XI
India may also consider changes to their bowling attack and all-rounder slots. Washington Sundar is expected to replace either Nitish Reddy or Akash Deep. He would add batting depth and a spin-bowling option.
