Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has suggested a significant batting order change for Rohit Sharma as India gears up for the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide. Shastri recommended Rohit, returning to the team after missing the first Test, to bat in the middle order, a role he hasn’t assumed in six years, allowing KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal to continue as openers.
Rohit Sharma, who missed the opening Test in Perth last week due to the birth of his second child, is set to return as captain for the pink-ball Test at the Adelaide Oval, starting Friday. Despite his reputation as a formidable opener, discussions have been ongoing about where Rohit should bat upon his return.
KL Rahul, who replaced Rohit in Perth, impressed with a gritty 77 and a record 201-run match-winning partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal. This performance has sparked debates about maintaining the opening combination while adjusting Rohit’s role in the batting lineup
In an interview on the ICC Review, Ravi Shastri argued that Rohit should bat at No. 5, a position that could catch Australia off-guard. He highlighted Rohit’s flexibility and leadership as key factors
“It’s the right mix of experience and youth in the setup. Whether he opens the batting or goes in the middle order, the choice is his,” Shastri said. “He’s experienced enough to see where he’s most dangerous when it comes to Australia. Where would Australia not like to see him? That’s the position he should choose. And he’s the leader of the pack, so he can afford to do that.”
Positioning Rohit in the middle order could bolster India’s lineup against Australia’s formidable bowling attack under lights. With his extensive experience, Rohit could serve as a stabilizing force in the middle overs while allowing Rahul and Jaiswal to maintain their rhythm as openers.
As India prepares for the Adelaide showdown, all eyes will be on the final playing XI and whether Shastri’s recommendation influences Rohit’s batting position
