With the way India played the first test in Perth against Australia, why would anyone want to change anything about the side? Well, maybe bring in another spinner to exploit the extra bounce the Pink Ball will offer in Adelaide. But certainly not change anything about the Indian batting order right? Well, it doesn’t matter if you score 500+ in the 3rd innings of the Test, you have to make space for Indian Captain Rohit Sharma. But it’s not so easy anymore.
In the first Test, India neither missed Rohit Sharma the captain, nor Rohit Sharma the batter. So now it has become quite the hassle for the Hitman. Who would he replace? Yashasvi Jaiswal; Surely Not! Devdutt Padikkal? But Shubhman Gill will replace him. Not Virat Kohli right? Or maybe KL Rahul? But like Kohli, Rahul is back in form and has made it clear with his performances that he is at his best in that opener spot. It gives him a better platform to perform and get himself in the zone.
So who does Rohit Sharma replace? Where does he play? Well, for the first time in a long time, we might say the Hitman playing in the Middle Order in Test Cricket! The last time Rohit Sharma played in the middle order for India in Tests was during the 2018-19 series when he batted in Melbourne. This could give a new dynamic to the Indian team and he would most probably replace Dhruv Jurel with KL Rahul taking his place behind the stumps with Rohit Sharma either coming in at number 3 and pushing down Rishabh Pant or coming in at number 4 being the batter who counter attacks the tired Australian bowling attack.
Do you think India should opt for a dynamic change like this? Will it work in India’s favour considering how different the Pink Ball is to the Red Ball? Will Rohit Sharma shine in a new role? Let us know your opinion in the comments below.
