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Why Rohit Sharma Should Not Open For India in Pink-Ball Test vs Australia In Adelaide?

Rajgeeta

Rohit Sharma returns to action [Source: @Im_Ayush_45/X.com]Rohit Sharma returns to action [Source: @Im_Ayush_45/X.com]

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India are gearing up to face Australia in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide starting December 6. With the Indian team leading the series 1-0, thanks to a historic victory in Perth, there's a growing debate about who should open the innings. Traditionally, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal have been India’s go-to openers. However, KL Rahul was in stellar form as an opener in the first Test which has added a new dimension to this conversation.

Here’s why Rohit Sharma might not be the best choice to open in Adelaide:

KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Successful Partnership

In the Perth Test, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal created history by scoring 201 runs together, the highest opening partnership for India on Australian soil in Test. Their solid foundation was instrumental in India's commanding 295-run victory.

KL Rahul, stepping in as an opener in Rohit's absence, scored a gritty 77 off 176 balls. This performance, combined with Jaiswal’s consistency, has certainly raised questions about disrupting a partnership that worked so well. Meanwhile in the warm-up match against Prime Minister's XI, Rohit Sharma was seen batting at no 5, which can be one of the reasons that KL Rahul and Jaiswal will be opening in Adelaide.

Rohit Sharma's Recent Form as an Opener

While Rohit has been one of India’s most dependable openers in the past, his recent form in Test cricket has been underwhelming. In his last six innings, he has managed just 91 runs, with a highest score of 52.

Historically, Rohit’s performances at No. 6 have been even better than his stats as an opener. He averages 54.57 at that position, compared to 44.01 as an opener. Looking at his struggles at the top in recent games, it might be better that the right-handed batter bat lower down the order, where he has thrived in the past.

Experience in the Middle Order

India are currently filled with younger players in the Playing XI and having an experienced batter like Rohit Sharma could be a strategic advantage. Virat Kohli has been the backbone of India’s middle order, but he could benefit from Rohit’s support at No. 4 or No. 5.

Rohit has a decent record in the middle order in Australia. On previous tours, he has scored 279 runs at an average of 31 in this position, including crucial knocks like an unbeaten 63 in Melbourne. His ability to steady the innings and build partnerships could prove invaluable in high-stakes matches. Also, it is worth noting that, the pink-ball tends to move a lot under lights and having an opener in the middle order, around the time when the second new-ball is due, could be an added advantage for India.