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'Sarfaraz Being...,' Rohit Sharma Explains Why Jadeja Was Sent Above Debutant In 3rd Test

image-lssjqfwfRohit Sharma explained the rationale behind his move on Day 1 [X.com]

Indian captain Rohit Sharma explained the much-debated decision to send in premier all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja at No.5 ahead of debutant Sarfaraz Khan on Day 1 of the Rajkot Test against England. 

Rohit justified the move to send in the more experienced Jadeja when India were struggling at 33/3 on the first morning ahead of Sarfaraz, who finally got the chance to wear the Indian Test cap after a long, painstaking wait despite a prolific run at the first-class level for Mumbai and India A. 


While Jadeja vindicated the skipper's call with a great century after walking in deep strife and helped India regain a strong footing in the Test match, a section of fans and experts felt it was an opportunity missed to test the depth of waters and temperament with the young Mumbaikar. 

Rohit Explains Why Jadeja Batted No.5 Above Sarfaraz 

Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony following his team's tremendous fightback and win by a jaw-dropping margin of 434 runs, Rohit said he recognised the time was ripe for Jadeja to soak in the pressure and stitch a partnership with him while allowing the explosive Sarfaraz to walk in when the match situation is slightly more comfortable to play his natural free-flowing game.  


"For this game, we thought he has got so much experience and has got a lot of runs as well, we wanted that left-right combo, Sarfaraz being Sarfaraz and with the quality he has got, we wanted him to have time," Rohit said. 


"We saw what he can do with the bat. [on the batting order] It's not a long-term view, we go with the flow and what we feel on that particular day, looking at the opposition, the bowling attack. We calculate everything and then go with the flow."

As it transpired, Rohit's rationale outlook paid dividends for India. Not only did the skipper lead his troops from the front with a magnificent 131 but also extracted best value out of Jadeja and Sarfaraz. 

While Jadeja produced a restraint century in the first-innings after earning a promotion, Sarfaraz eased into the Test arena with an enterprising 62, which he backed up with an unbeaten fifty in the second-innings.