KL Rahul opened in his absence, but with Rohit returning, India must find a new slot for him since Rohit is sure to start the innings.
The Indian captain Rohit Sharma missed the first Test against Australia in Perth for personal reasons. He and his wife welcomed their second baby a few weeks back, but Rohit joined the Indian team midway through the first Test and was seen in the dressing room on the third day.
However, as he returns for the next game, the Indian team will face a conundrum regarding the batting position of key players. KL Rahul opened in his absence, but with Rohit returning, India must find a new slot for him since Rohit is sure to start the innings.
Cheteshwar Pujara has suggested an interesting solution to India’s top three conundrum, for he fits all three players in the top three. On ESPNcricinfo, Pujara opined India should bat one of Rohit or Rahul at No.3, and Rahul shouldn’t bat below No.3 at all.
“I think, for some reason, if we can carry on with the same batting order like KL and Yashasvi to open, Rohit could come in at three. If Rohit wants to open, KL should bat at No. 3. Nothing later than that. I think he has to bat top of the order because it suits his game really well. I hope we don’t tinker around with that.”
While Cheteshwar Pujara has suggested a new batting position for KL Rahul, it’s worth noting that Shubman Gill might also be considered for the selection in the Adelaide Test. He missed the first game due to a broken thumb but is expected to return for the next game.
Cheteshwar Pujara has suggested Gill should bat at No.5 because he is skilled at negotiating the new ball or playing with the old one if wickets fall later. However, that would mean slotting several batters at new positions, which can backfire in away Tests.
Ideally, Rohit should return at the top and Gill should take the No.3 spot. Meanwhile, KL Rahul should be at the No.6 spot ahead of Dhruv Jurel, who impressed in the unofficial Test.
While it will be harsh on Jurel to be dropped only after one game, Rahul looked well-equipped to handle the Aussie quicks. He will prove assurance and stability down the order with his superior technique.
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