Rohit Sharma has returned to the Indian team.Image credit source: AFP
Team India proved all the fears, doubts, speculations and ridicule wrong and started the tour of Australia with a spectacular victory. Team India took the lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by defeating Australia by 295 runs in the first Test match. This victory for Team India was also special because it came without their captain Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah took charge and led the team to victory. Now the wait is for the second test match and for this captain Rohit has returned. His return has not only increased the strength of the team but has also raised doubts about the eleven. The big question is: Will Rohit sacrifice himself?
The first match of the Test series was played in Perth. Rohit was not present in this match as he had taken a break due to the birth of his son. Star batsman Shubman Gill was also unable to play as he had injured his thumb. In such a situation, the Indian team had to use other options, in which experienced batsman KL Rahul was given the responsibility of opening. Questions were continually being asked about Rahul before this series but he answered them all in Perth.
Will Rohit sacrifice his place?
Rahul appeared to be the best batsman for team India in both the innings and the second innings, he put up a 200-run partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal and ensured victory for team India. Now, after Rohit’s return, the question has started to arise whether Rohit should return to the opening or whether Rahul should be retained. The Indian captain’s recent form has not been good and he has been getting out early. His problems with the new ball were clearly visible. Compared to him, Rahul looked composed in front of the new ball.
So, for the sake of the team, should Rohit sacrifice his spot and get Rahul to open? Team India’s experienced batsman Cheteshwar Pujara also believes the same. Pujara also said on the ESPN-Cricinfo show that Rohit should bat at number three and Rahul should open the batting. However, Pujara also said that if Rohit returns to the opening, then Rahul should not be dropped from the top order and should be slotted in at number three.
The answer will come from the practice match!
Now the question is that if Rahul bats at number three, then where will Shubman Gill, who is expected to return in the second Test, go? Pujara had also earlier given his opinion in this regard that Gill should be sent to bat at number four or five. Even earlier, some former cricketers have given such an opinion about Gill that he may prove better for the Indian team at number four or five. There is now a second Test match in Adelaide starting on November 6, which will be played in a day-night format. To prepare for this match, a practice match will be played on November 30 and December 1. This practice match can give an idea of what batting order Team India will field in Adelaide.
