Who should open for India in South Africa Tests?
Mayank Agarwal looked in sublime form in the second Test against New Zealand in Mumbai. The pitch was a spinner’s paradise where Ajaz Patel was wreaking havoc. But Agarwal looked in a completely different zone. The knock was reminiscent of the one that England right-hander Kevin Pietersen played nine years ago on a similar sort of a track, or even worse, at the same venue.
Agarwal’s knock might not be as brutal, but in terms of importance, it’s up there with Pietersen’s. He scored 150 runs 311 balls with 17 fours and four sixes. India won the match by 372 runs and the series 1-0. Mayank started his career as an opener after which he plied his trade in the middle order. However, lady luck smiled on him as he was back to opening against the Black Caps.
KL Rahul’s injury and Rohit Sharma not taking part in the red-ball series gave Agarwal a chance to go back to the top. However, Agarwal’s decent form has given the team management a headache, albeit a good one. With the tour of South Africa, a tad over a fortnight away, who among Rahul, Agarwal and Sharma should open the batting in the three-match Test series?
Thinking to do for Team India
Rahul was outstanding on the tour of England a couple of months ago, facing the likes of James Anderson and Ollie Robinson with utmost ease. Rohit took a little time settling in before smashing his maiden overseas Test ton at the Kennington Oval in London. Rohit and Rahul settled into a handsome opening pair with both batters doing well in challenging playing conditions abroad.
It was also the series when Rahul made a comeback and showed what he’s capable of doing in red-ball cricket. He looked secured in the middle and played out the new ball with a lot of efficiencies. Ahead of the South Africa Tests, the selectors need to zero in on the opening combination.
They need to take into account the three players’ ability to succeed against the moving ball. Rahul and Rohit did well in England, but it won’t be easy to bench the in-form Agarwal.
