AUS vs IND: 3rd Test – How do India fit Rohit Sharma in the playing XI?
India’s superlative performance in the 2nd Test not only vanquished Tim Paine’s Australia but also the demons of 36 all out. The five-bowler strategy along with the inception of two debutants (Shubman Gill and Mohammad Siraj) did yield a winning formula to the Indian team. But now with Rohit Sharma’s inclusion into the side, India do have to make some substantial calls in order to bleak Australia’s chances to win the Border-Gavaskar series.
Earlier back in September 2019, Rohit had restored his Test career when he had a dazzling run as an opener against the South Africans. His scintillating form not only fetched him the Player of the series award but also granted him one of the opening slots. But with injuries time and again he is yet to test himself as a viable opener in overseas conditions.
Regardless of his outreach with the Indian team along with some shortfall in his practice sessions, his inclusion in the playing XI looks supplemental which means either Hanuma Vihari or Mayank Agarwal might have to warm the bench.
The wait is over!
The Hitman @ImRo45 show is about to unfold.?? #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/DdagR1z4BN
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 1, 2021
The options
Mayank Agarwal has been India’s prolific opener but in the ongoing tour, he has been thirsted by the impeccable Aussie bowling at the start. Only once he has reached double-digit scores and hasn’t looked comfortable by any means. Hence one of the potential openings for Rohit Sharma can be Mayank’s opening slot.
Another player regardless of his untarnished technique who has been scuffled while combating Aussie bowling has been Hanuma Vihari. Now in order to accommodate Rohit at the top, Shubman Gill who had a promising debut can replace Vihari at no.5. Furthermore, India can also explore Rohit at no.5 in place of Vihari which although looks elusive.
Expert opinion
Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has responded as a viable option by suggesting, “I would be keeping Mayank Agarwal. I know he’s not looked good but he’s a quality player. I would keep him in the side and open the batting with Rohit.“Despite the fact that Shubman Gill has looked so good at the top, I’d look to bat him at No.5. With his approach he (might not) be too successful at the opening position also at the U19 level he was batting down the order so I think for Shubman Gill no.5 would be the ideal position.
India’s former chief selector MSK Prasad, on the other hand, has also opined that “I am still not sure about Rohit opening because he is coming after a long break. Will he prefer to open or bat in the middle order? That is another question,” Prasad told PTI. “And what kind of role the team management is expecting from Rohit. That is also a factor. Whether they want Rohit to give the team a flying start or anchor the innings in the middle?”
Now as per the current reports on December 31st, Rohit Sharma has begun his training under the supervision of batting coach Vikram Rathour despite the rest of the squad enjoying their break. Such actions do indicate that his commencement for the SCG Test has begun but will Rohit’s presence solve India’s opening conundrum is something which still remains a big question.
