Team India are set to face Australia in the Pink Ball Test at Adelaide Oval, starting December 06. After an emphatic win in Perth, India enter the second Test with confidence and renewed momentum. The day-night format brings unique challenges, but India’s strong performance in the warm-up game against the Prime Minister XI has bolstered their readiness.
The return of skipper Rohit Sharma and young star Shubman Gill has added to the pre-match buzz. While both players missed the first Test, their inclusion for the Adelaide fixture has sparked discussions about India’s potential batting order.
Sanjay Manjrekar picks Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill’s role in the line-up
Rohit’s return comes amid debate about his ideal batting position. During the warm-up match, the Indian captain opted to give KL Rahul the opening slot, a move that has drawn praise for prioritizing team strategy over personal preference.
Notably, Rohit had missed the Perth Test due to personal commitments, allowing Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal to open. The pair delivered a remarkable performance, including a record-breaking 200-run partnership, solidifying their positions at the top.
Cricket experts have since speculated whether Rohit will slot into the middle order, a role that could offer stability and capitalize on his adaptability. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar weighed in on India’s batting conundrum, endorsing Rohit’s potential shift to No. 3, noting that the transition would not be drastic for the experienced batter. Additionally, Manjrekar also suggested that Gill should bat at No. 5 in the Pink Ball Test.
“I think Gill, considering that he is playing his first Test match of the series, No. 5 would actually ensure more of a success and contribution. For Rohit Sharma, it (No.3) won’t be a massive difference from opening the innings and batting at No. 5. So No. 3 would be a nice compromise,” said Manjrekar on ESPNcricinfo.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Rohit Sharma or KL Rahul? Who should open for India in the Adelaide Test
Manjrekar commends team management’s logical approach
Manjrekar emphasized that retaining the successful opening pair of Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who forged a historic 200-run partnership in the first Test, is a logical decision based on their current form and impact. He praised the team management for prioritizing performance and strategy over seniority, as seen in earlier decisions like picking Washington Sundar over seasoned spinners.
“For me, it’s a clear indication. This is as clear as it gets. Just like we were all contemplating and wondering whether the successful opening pair from the last match would be dismantled, considering it was such an important contribution. Just imagine, the first-ever 200-run partnership in Australia for the opening wicket. And we saw the result as well. I doubt whether this team management which is actually thinking cricket logic and current form picking somebody like Washi over Ashwin and Jadeja, will again go by stature and the incumbent senior/iconic player at the top. You go by common sense and current reality,” added Manjrekar.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Harbhajan Singh picks the ideal batting position of captain Rohit Sharma for the Pink Ball Test
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