As Team India prepares for the third Test against Australia at the Gabba, Brisbane, starting December 14, reports confirm that skipper Rohit Sharma will return to the top of the batting order. This decision comes after a series of mixed performances and extensive discussions within the team management.
The Backstory: Rohit’s Position at No.6 Fails
Rohit Sharma, who missed the first Test in Perth due to personal reasons, returned in the second Test at Adelaide Oval, batting at No.6. However, this experiment didn’t work, with Rohit scoring just 3 and 6 in two innings. India lost the pink-ball Test by 10 wickets, leveling the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 at 1-1.
Key Highlights from Practice Sessions
Rohit Sharma Back with the New Ball
- Rohit faced the new ball during the practice session at Gabba, a strong signal of his return to the opening slot.
- He batted against pacers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep, marking a stark difference from his pre-Adelaide Test preparation when he avoided the new ball.
KL Rahul’s Role to Change?
- KL Rahul, who partnered with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the first two Tests, may move to the middle order.
- Rahul and Jaiswal’s partnership shone in Perth with a 202-run stand, but their form dipped in Adelaide.
Virat Kohli and Bumrah in Action
- Virat Kohli was seen giving an animated pep talk before the session and working on tackling rising deliveries.
- Bumrah, despite fitness concerns, bowled with full rhythm, a promising sign for India ahead of the pace-friendly Gabba Test.
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Why Is This Move Significant?
India’s Struggles at Gabba
The Gabba pitch is known for its pace and bounce, making it crucial for India to have a stable start at the top. Rohit’s experience and Yashasvi’s attacking approach as openers could provide the balance India needs.
Table: Expected Batting Order
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Rohit Sharma (Captain) |
| 2 | Yashasvi Jaiswal |
| 3 | Cheteshwar Pujara |
| 4 | Virat Kohli |
| 5 | KL Rahul |
| 6 | Shreyas Iyer |
What the Experts Say
Cricket experts believe that Rohit’s return to the opening slot is a calculated risk that could pay off. With his track record in white-ball cricket and the ability to handle pace and swing, this move might provide the stability India lacked in Adelaide.
As the series stands evenly poised at 1-1, all eyes are on Rohit Sharma’s comeback as an opener. The Gabba Test promises to be a thrilling encounter, with India banking on their revamped batting order to reclaim dominance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
