Rohit Sharma vs Dhruv Jurel: Who Should Bat At No 6 For India In Adelaide Test?

Rajgeeta Yadav

Rohit Sharma and Dhruv Jurel [Source: BCCI/X.com]Rohit Sharma and Dhruv Jurel [Source: BCCI/X.com]

India captain Rohit Sharma made his return to action during warm-up match against the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra. While his return grabbed attention, what stood out more was his unusual batting position. Rohit was seen batting at No. 4, which was his usual opening position. This change raised questions, especially considering his form had been a concern, and his short innings in the warm-up match didn’t help matters.

Rohit demoting himself might have a few reasons behind it. With the top order, especially KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, performing well as openers, it makes sense for Rohit to consider a middle-order role, particularly at No. 6. But this move could also mean that Dhruv Jurel, who currently bats at No. 6, might be replaced.

Rohit Sharma At No. 6

Rohit has batted at No. 6 before, and his stats suggest that he has done well in that position. In the 2018/19 tour of Australia, he played several innings at No. 6, with scores of 37, 1, 63*, and 5. 

While his middle-order record is smaller compared to his opening career, Rohit at No. 6 has been solid, the right-handed batter has scored 1037 runs in 25 innings with an impressive average of 54.58, including three centuries and six fifties.

Rohit made his Test debut in the middle order against the West Indies in 2013 and scored a century on debut, which shows his ability to perform in that role. Given that India needs a reliable and experienced middle-order batter, Rohit could provide that stability.

Dhruv Jurel At No. 6

Dhruv Jurel is still a relatively new face in Test cricket, but he has shown his masterclass in the middle order. In his short career, he has scored 202 runs in 4 matches. While the right-handed batter has experience is limited compared to Rohit, Jurel has displayed good temperament and skills at No. 6, making him a solid option for the spot.

Rohit Sharma's Stats: Opening Vs Middle Order

Rohit Sharma as an opener has been phenomenal, the star batter has slammed nine centuries and eight fifties in 64 innings at an average of 44.02. However, when it comes to batting at No. 6, his record is even better. The 36-year-old has an average of 54.58 in that position, which suggests that he could excel at No. 6 if given the chance. 

Despite the small sample size, the stats show that Rohit has been more successful in the middle order than at the top, making it a logical move for India.

One reason for considering Rohit at No. 6 is to maintain the stability of the top order. KL Rahul has been in good form, and his partnership with Jaiswal at the top has been successful. Moving Rahul down the order might upset the balance, especially after a strong performance in the first Test. Also, Rohit’s struggles as an opener against the moving ball make a middle-order role more appealing, as he would face fewer challenges with the ball swinging around at the top.

Rohit Sharma seems to be the better choice for No. 6, given his experience, batting record, and ability to adapt to different conditions. His experience with the pink ball, especially in day-night Tests, could also be valuable.