As India prepares for the third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia, Rohit Sharma’s role in the batting order has become a topic of intense discussion.
Following a disappointing performance in Adelaide, where he managed just 3 and 6 in the Day-Night Test, questions were raised about whether the Indian captain should return to his original opening position.
Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar have already advised Rohit Sharma, who batted lower down in the Adelaide Test, to reclaim the opener’s slot, suggesting KL Rahul to the middle order. However, Rahul delivered a composed performance in the Perth Test but failed in the Day-Night Test in Adelaide.
Dodda Ganesh warns against Rohit Sharma opening in Gabba Test
While some back the idea of Rohit Sharma returning as an opener, former Indian cricketer and commentator Dodda Ganesh has expressed concerns. Ganesh warned against exposing the 37-year-old to Australia’s potent pace attack at the top, given his current lack of confidence and form.
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Dodda Ganesh believes that the Indian cricket team should stick with the opening combination of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal for the third Test of the ongoing five-match Test series against Australia, starting on December 15 at The Gabba.
Ahead of the Gabba Test, the commentator described the call to Rohit’s return as Indian opener as “foolhardy” and mentioned that it won’t be easy for the Indian skipper to score runs in Australian conditions, which are different from the subcontinent, where Hitman can score runs even if he is not at his best.
It will be lamb to the slaughterhouse if Rohit opens: Dodda Ganesh
Ganesh added that the story is different in Australia, as Rohit is already struggling with the bat, so it will be lamb to the slaughterhouse if the skipper opens in Brisbane.
Dodda Ganesh posted on X: “Rohit Sharma is already short of confidence and runs. Experts urging him to open at Gabba is foolhardy to say the least. The series is not being played in the subcontinent where he can throw his bat and get some runs. It will be lamb to the slaughterhouse if he opens #AUSvIND.”
Rohit Sharma is already short of confidence and runs. Experts urging him to open at Gabba, is foolhardy to say the least. The series is not being played in the sub-continent where he can throw his bat and get some runs. It will be lamb to the slaughter house if he opens #AUSvIND
— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) December 9, 2024
Meanwhile, Rohit has faced a challenging Test season, managing only 142 runs in 12 innings since September, with a disappointing average of 11.83. This poor run has raised questions about his place in the playing XI for the crucial Gabba Test.
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Consideration must be given to game plan B: Kerry O’Keeffe
Former Australia cricketer Kerry O’Keeffe has suggested the Indian team management consider a “plan B,” hinting at the possibility of leaving Rohit out of the playing XI. At 37, performing against Australia’s relentless pace attack is a tough challenge, and O’Keeffe wondered if Rohit could turn things around in the remaining three BGT matches.
Kerry O’Keeffe told Fox Sports: “I think they will pick and stick with India, although I think consideration has to be given to changing the team. But they won’t. It’s a tough gig to come here at 37 years of age. Rohit has averaged 13 in his last five Test matches (and has) a double failure in Adelaide.
You could count on one hand the number of 37-year-old-plusses who have come to Australia and had a significant effect on the series. Can Rohit Sharma do that in the remaining few tests? That question has to be asked. He’s the skipper. I think he’ll stay, but I think consideration must be given to game plan B. This Australian pace attack is relentless. They are not going anywhere. Is Rohit Sharma?”