As the second Test of the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia draws closer, India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, has made waves with a crucial hint regarding his batting position in Adelaide. Playing against the Australian Prime Minister’s XI in a warm-up match in Canberra, Rohit batted at No. 4 for the first time since 2015, signaling potential changes to India’s batting line-up. This shift raises significant questions about where the Indian skipper might slot in during the pink-ball Test at the Adelaide Oval, starting December 6.
Rohit Sharma’s Recent Batting Position and What It Means for India’s Line-up
Rohit Sharma, who had to miss the first Test against Australia due to the birth of his second child, made his return to the playing XI in Canberra. Batting at No. 4, Sharma’s decision to step down from his usual top-order spot indicates a shift in India’s batting strategy for the upcoming Test series. With KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal opening the innings in the first Test, it seems likely that the duo will retain their positions in Adelaide, given their solid partnership and impressive performance in the series opener.
This would push Rohit Sharma further down the order, potentially at No. 5, where he has historically had moderate success. Rishabh Pant, who would normally bat at No. 6, could then slot in lower, depending on the team’s final selection. The middle-order shake-up could be a tactical move, as India looks to strengthen their batting lineup while preserving the balance of the team.
Rohit Sharma’s Test Career Outside the Top Two
Rohit Sharma’s Test career has evolved significantly since his debut in 2013. Initially, he batted in the middle order, but after his successful move to the top of the order in 2019, his career trajectory changed. When considering his Test stats, it’s evident that batting in positions other than the top two has yielded mixed results.
- Top Two: Rohit has amassed 2,685 runs in 42 Tests while batting at No. 1 or No. 2.
- No. 3: In four games at No. 3, he only managed 107 runs.
- No. 4: He struggled at No. 4 with a meager 4 runs in one match.
- No. 5: Rohit has accumulated 437 runs in 9 matches at No. 5, which is his most successful spot outside the top two.
While Rohit’s performance at No. 5 isn’t spectacular, it’s clear that he has had some success in the middle order, particularly in the longer format. Batting at No. 5 could allow him to play a more flexible role, depending on how the innings progresses.
India’s Batting Line-up for Adelaide: What to Expect
As the Indian team gears up for the second Test against Australia, the final composition of the batting order remains a hot topic. Here’s a likely breakdown of India’s batting line-up for the Adelaide Test:
- Opening Pair: KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who have shown good form, are expected to continue as the opening pair.
- One Down: Shubman Gill, who missed the first Test due to a thumb injury, will most likely come in at No. 3.
- No. 4: Virat Kohli, who was in sublime form in the first Test, scoring a hundred, will continue to bat at No. 4, his designated position.
- No. 5: Rohit Sharma could step in at No. 5, pushing Rishabh Pant to No. 6.
- No. 6: Rishabh Pant, one of the most dynamic players in the Indian line-up, is expected to keep his spot at No. 6.
This line-up would bring in a solid middle-order, with Rohit and Pant providing much-needed stability and aggression as the situation demands. The shift would also ensure that India retains flexibility in the batting order, depending on how the match progresses.
Rohit Sharma’s Return to Australia: A Key Factor for India
Rohit Sharma’s return to Australia is crucial for India. His experience in Australian conditions, especially in the longer format, is invaluable. While his performance in Canberra against the PM XI wasn’t remarkable, the warm-up match provided him with a chance to get back into the groove before the second Test. His leadership, combined with his tactical approach to batting, could be vital for India’s success in Adelaide.
Conclusion: The Indian Think Tank’s Strategy for the Second Test
With Rohit Sharma hinting at a shift in his batting position for the second Test against Australia, the Indian team management seems to be carefully considering their best approach. By potentially slotting Rohit in at No. 5, India could strengthen their middle order and create a more balanced lineup. This move would also allow the opening pair of Rahul and Jaiswal to remain intact, preserving the successful combination from the first Test.
The second Test promises to be a thrilling encounter, and with Rohit’s leadership and the team’s adaptability, India will look to continue their strong performance in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. As the team prepares for the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, all eyes will be on how India’s batting lineup evolves, particularly with Rohit Sharma at No. 5.
