Rohit Sharma and R Ashwin: Harbhajan Singh’s Blunt Opinion on India’s Second Test Lineup
Harbhajan Singh has commented on India’s team for the second Test against Australia. It begins on December 6 at the Adelaide Oval. The former spinner opposed the idea of captain Rohit Sharma batting at No. 6. He said India’s top order must stay strong to maintain their dominance.
Harbhajan defended the exclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin from the first Test. He rejected age as a reason to sideline the veteran spinner.
“Rohit Sharma Must Bat Higher in the Order”
Rohit Sharma missed the first Test in Perth due to the birth of his second child. He is set to return for the day-night pink-ball Test. However, his inclusion has created a dilemma for India’s batting lineup.
In the first Test, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal opened the innings. They added 201 runs in the second innings. Rahul’s performance, and Jaiswal’s record, raise questions about where to slot Rohit.
Harbhajan firmly believes that Rohit, as captain, should not bat below No.3.
“I don’t think Rohit Sharma should bat at five or six. Either he will open the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal, with KL Rahul at three, or he will bat no later than the number three slot. Captain batting at no.6 is not good for the team. Your top four batters are the four pillars of the batting unit,” he told PTI.
“R Ashwin Isn’t Too Old for Test Cricket”
Harbhajan also spoke about Ashwin’s exclusion from the first Test’s playing XI. India chose to play Washington Sundar instead. Sundar impressed with the ball in previous matches. But, Harbhajan dismissed age as a reason for Ashwin’s omission.
“Being 38 doesn’t mean that you are old. Ashwin is not 58. But, the shoulders start showing fatigue after so many years. Washington Sundar bowled well against New Zealand and he is ready to take over the mantle from Ashwin in Test cricket.”
India’s Dilemma: Form vs. Balance
India’s 295-run win in the first Test was convincing. KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and the bowlers were the stars. However, Rohit’s return complicates things. Rahul’s strong form makes it hard to drop him or move him down the order.
Likewise, Washington Sundar is a good all-rounder. But, Ashwin’s experience and skill are unmatched in Tests. Harbhajan’s comments show the “good headache” the team has before the Adelaide clash.
Key Match Stats (1st Test in Perth)
Result: India won by 295 runs
Key Partnership: KL Rahul & Yashasvi Jaiswal – 201 runs (second innings)
Target Set for Australia: 543 runs
