Ahead of the IND vs AUS 2nd Test in Adelaide, questions have been raised about where Rohit Sharma will bat. Recent reports claim that the India Cricket Team captain might surrender his opening spot for KL Rahul. As a result, Rohit might slot in down the order. Here we take a look as to why Rohit Sharma shouldn’t surrender his opening spot in the IND vs AUS Test.
Rohit Sharma missed the IND vs AUS 1st Test in Perth as he stayed back in India to attend the birth of his second child. In his absence, it was KL Rahul who opened the innings for the visitors and fared well. He scored 27, and 77 respectively to prove his worth in the team. And now with Rohit back, he gave his opening place to KL in the warm-up match against Prime Ministers XI.
Proven Track Record as an Opener
It would be unnerving to see Rohit Sharma not open for the India Cricket Team. Since taking on the opener’s spot in the last decade, Rohit Sharma has been a rock and a testament to his side. Coming to red-ball cricket, Rohit has opened for India 26 times, where he has managed to score 2685 runs with a healthy average of 44.02.
He has 9 Test tons and 8 fifties to his name as an opener and boasts of having a strike rate of 59. All these stats make him one of the best openers that India has had in the last few years. And now just like that, it would be extremely unwise for Rohit to give away his spot. Rohit also has a proven track record against Australia and with WTC Finals qualification on the horizon, the team needs the Hitman to go all guns blazing at his preferred spot.
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Disruption of Team Momentum
The team is set. They know that Rohit Sharma is and will be the opener. Just like Virat Kohli batting at number 4 in Test cricket. Furthermore, Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal have a good bond which they have shared since the West Indies, South Africa, England, and Bangladesh series.
While form might not be on Rohit’s side off late, the Indian captain is just 1 big knock away from getting into the groove. Furthermore, KL Rahul has previously proven himself to be an able middle-order batter. While Rohit’s return to the team is significant, changing the opening pair can disrupt the entire momentum that the team has built after their recent victory in Perth.
Rohit’s Recent Form and Adaptability
Rohit Sharma has been struggling with form in recent times. In his last 5 matches, he has a mere average of 13.3. In fact, in the entire 2024 calendar year, Rohit has managed 2 Test centuries (against England) and 2 Test fifties. But opening the order for the side gives him a chance to regain his rhythm.
Historically, Rohit Sharma has thrived immensely at the top order. It is the place where the Hitman can play his natural game without having to think about anchoring the innings. But things can take a sharp turn if he comes to bat at 5 or 6. Rohit will face the new nuisance of playing fresh bowlers or spinners who can further wreak havoc on his poor form.
