IND vs AUS: It has been confirmed. Rohit Sharma will sacrifice his opening spot for KL Rahul, who left everyone head over heels after his resilient show in Perth. The Indian skipper made the announcement public during the pre-match press conference and ended the highly talked-about “opening slot” debate. However, it has now left everyone guessing for Rohit’s position—something he didn’t clear up in the media interaction.
Where would Rohit Sharma bat in 2nd IND vs AUS Test?
Rohit, who was unavailable for the opening Test in Perth, came back to boost India’s chances furthermore. In his absence, Jasprit Bumrah led the side superbly and took India to a much-needed 1-0 lead in the BGT. However, the highlight of the win was a maginificent opening camaraderie between KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who both stitched over 200 runs in the second innings. Regardless, Rohit’s availability expected him to replace Rahul as an opener.
But the Indian captain threw up a surprise. During India’s pink-ball practice game against the Prime Minister’s XI, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul walked out to bat and not Rohit Sharma. The Indian captain didn’t tinker with the successful duo of Jaiswal and Rahul.
Talking at the press conference, Rohit shed light on the openers but gave an ambigious answer for his own batting spot. “Yeah, he (KL Rahul) will be opening the bat. I’ll bat somewhere in the middle,” said Rohit ahead of the second IND vs AUS Test.
Rohit to replace Dhruv Jurel?
It might be harsh on him but Dhruv Jurel is the prime candidate to make way for Rohit Sharma. The backup wicket-keeper showed superb abilities in the unofficial practice game against Australia A and thus slotted into the team in Perth. But now, with Rohit coming in, he is likely to get dropped. While Shubman Gill, who made 50 against PM XI, will be a like-for-like replacement for Devdutt Padikkal, Rohit will replace a middle-order batter. Rahul-Jaiswal remain unchanged. Virat Kohli has owned his number four spot. Rishabh Pant and Rohit Sharma are expected to bat at number six and five now.
It must be noted that the last time Rohit Sharma batted as a non-opener was way back in 2018. It was also during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). In that game, the Hitman made 5 and 63*, helping India clinch the match under Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy.
Rohit Sharma batting stats (in Tests)
| Position | (Inns) | Runs | (HS) | (Avg) | (SR) | 100s | 50s |
| 1st position | 29 | 1226 | 161 | 43.78 | 53 | 3 | 5 |
| 2nd position | 35 | 1459 | 212 | 44.21 | 65.3 | 6 | 3 |
| 3rd position | 5 | 107 | 53 | 21.4 | 41.63 | 0 | 1 |
| 4th position | 1 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 25 | 0 | 0 |
| 5th position | 16 | 437 | 79 | 29.13 | 48.55 | 0 | 3 |
| 6th position | 25 | 1037 | 177 | 54.57 | 60.71 | 3 | 6 |
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