The stage is set for Rohit Sharma’s return to the opening slot for India in the third Test of their ongoing series against Australia, set to begin in Brisbane on December 14. After a period of uncertainty surrounding his position, Sharma is poised to reclaim his role as an opener, with KL Rahul likely to be shifted to the middle-order in this crucial match.
Rohit Sharma’s Recent Form and Performance
In his last 12 Test innings, Rohit Sharma’s performances have been underwhelming, managing single-digit scores eight times, crossing the 20-run mark on just two occasions, and achieving a solitary half-century. His dip in form, particularly in the second Test against Australia, has raised concerns. Despite these struggles, India’s leadership believes that Rohit’s potential to accelerate at the start of the innings makes him an indispensable opening option.
The Role of Rohit Sharma in India’s Opening Pair
Rohit Sharma’s return to the top of the order in Brisbane comes after he missed the first Test in Perth due to the birth of his son, Ayaan. While he made his comeback in Adelaide, it was not as an opener. Instead, he was slotted into the middle-order at No.6. This adjustment, however, did not yield the desired results, as he, along with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, failed to make significant contributions with the bat.
The third Test is pivotal for both teams, with the series tied at 1-1 and a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final on the line. Given the circumstances, India is making tactical adjustments. Rohit Sharma was recently seen facing the new ball at the nets against fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, and Mohammed Siraj, suggesting that he will return to his familiar role as opener alongside Jaiswal.
KL Rahul to Move to Middle-Order
With Rohit Sharma set to return to the opening slot, KL Rahul is expected to be moved down the order. Rahul, who has shown flashes of brilliance in the opening role, might be seen batting at No.5 or No.6 in the third Test. The reshuffling of the batting order could be crucial for India, as they look to find the right combination to counter Australia’s aggressive pace attack.
The middle-order adjustment for Rahul also comes at a time when India needs to stabilize their innings in the middle. With Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli slated to bat at No.3 and No.4, respectively, Rahul’s experience in the middle could provide the right balance. Additionally, Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy are expected to follow, taking positions at No.6 and No.7.
The Importance of Rohit Sharma’s Role at the Top
Sunil Gavaskar, one of India’s cricketing legends, has emphasized the need for Rohit Sharma to return to his regular opening position. According to Gavaskar, India would benefit from Rohit’s aggressive approach at the start, which could lay a solid foundation for the middle-order batters. He pointed out that Rahul’s opening position was only a temporary arrangement, given that Rohit was unavailable for the first Test.
“Now that Rohit is fit, he should return to his regular spot as an opener,” Gavaskar explained. “Rohit has the ability to score quickly at the start, which not only puts pressure on the opposition but also gives him the chance to play a big knock later in the innings.”
This strategic move is vital for India’s batting lineup, as it could help them dominate the early stages of the match and put Australia on the back foot. Rohit’s capacity to score fast and set the tone for the team is a key asset that India hopes to exploit in Brisbane.
Final Thoughts on India’s Third Test Strategy
With the series finely poised and the WTC final within reach, India’s decision to bring Rohit Sharma back as an opener is a crucial one. The combination of Sharma and Jaiswal at the top, followed by solid players like Gill, Kohli, and Rahul in the middle, has the potential to provide the balance and depth needed to counter Australia’s formidable bowling attack.
As the third Test approaches, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma to reclaim his spot at the top of the order and prove his worth, while KL Rahul adjusts to a new role in the middle. This tactical reshuffle could be the key to India’s success as they look to claim the series and secure their place in the WTC final.
