Roht Sharma is back in India cricket for the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, but according to Sanjay Manjrekar, that’s the end of the matter as far as keeping Gautam Gambhir and the team intact with the open pairing of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Pacer Jasprit Bumrah took over the reins of the Test side as Rohit Sharma missed the first Test in Perth, which India won by 295 runs, to be with his wife Ritika Sajdeh for the birth of their son Ahaan. KL joined Yashasvi at the top of the batting order and stitched together a winning partnership.
In fact, Rohit came out to bat at No. 4 during a recent practice match between India against Australia’s Prime Minister’s XI, with Rahul and Jaiswal opening the innings.
“Yes, in my understanding, it is the clearest indication. I thought of perhaps a few other things as to why they would do that. But really, I think, as clear as it gets that just like we were all contemplating and wondering if it should be dismantled such a successful opening pair we had wired in the second innings of the last match considering it made such an important contribution. So yeah, a very clear indication,” Manjrekar was quoted as saying on ESPNcricinfo.
KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal established a new record for the highest opening partnership of 201 runs in the second innings of the first Test for India in 2023.
“Just think about it, the first-ever 200-plus partnership for the opening wicket in Australia, and we saw the result as well. So, I don’t think this team management is thinking cricket logic and current form. They’ll use common sense, and in the current reality, Rohit, who could volunteer himself, is the right move to make the most of what you’ve gained,” Majrekar said.
He added: “I think Gill considering his first Test match of the series, that number (No. 3) would actually ensure more success from Shubman Gill, a contribution. And Rohit Sharma as well it won’t be a massive difference from opening the innings and batting at No. 5.”
“That’s a good compromise then. Indian cricket also must come to a point where there isn’t that kind of importance given to batting positions as there is in T20 cricket, which changes so often. So, whatever makes cricketing sense, and that’s always something that maybe the Indian team management might think about.”
Rohit Sharma will return to captain India in the second Test match as it will be a day-night game which will commence on December 6 at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide this year. India is currently heading the series by 1-0.
