In a month’s time, India will return to South Africa to avenge their 2-1 loss in the 2021–22 Test series. With a middle order sans Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane’s spot in the playing XI uncertain, the onus for India’s success falls on the shoulders of the Indian openers. In an Indian lineup where options in the middle order are scarce, there are plenty of options for the two opening spots. But who to choose as your openers from Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and KL Rahul for the IND vs SA Test series?
Since his renaissance in red-ball cricket in 2019, Rohit has scored over 2000 runs as an opener in Tests. And as if that were not enough to cement his spot as India’s No. 1 choice opener, he is also India’s skipper in Test cricket. With Rohit settled, three remain. Who to choose between tried, tested, and discarded Rahul, up-and-coming southpaw Jaiswal, and India’s temporary no. 3 Shubman?
Numbers game to decide India’s second opener
India has always been troubled to find two successful openers in Tests. That remains the case even now. While Rohit averages over 70 with 7 tons in just 31 innings, the others have 10 tons combined in over 106 innings.
| Player | Innings | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 31 | 2092 | 72.13 | 7 | 6 |
| Shubman Gill | 29 | 874 | 32.37 | 2 | 4 |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 3 | 266 | 88.16 | 1 | 1 |
| KL Rahul | 75 | 2551 | 34.94 | 7 | 12 |
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Who’s the better option in South African conditions?
Shubman Gill, who was India’s No. 2 opener, has spilled the pecking order after failing to live up to his potential. His technical difficulties with the incoming ball have seen him get troubled by pacers consistently.
The batter averages under in four of the five countries he’s batted in. Since he broke onto the scene in Australia, the right-hander opener has struggled against every opposition he’s played against.
Yashasvi Jaiswal has played just 2 matches for India and has been a revelation. Making his debut in the West Indies, the southpaw hit one century and one fifty in three innings and currently averages over 85 in Tests. Apart from scoring tons of runs, his being left also matches him perfectly with Rohit.
KL Rahul has played the most matches as a Test opener among the four but stands at the bottom right now. Despite scoring tons in England, South Africa, and Australia, Rahul has never been a consistent performer in Tests. Scoring over 2500 runs in his 8-year career as an opener, he averages just 34.94. However, his experience in South Africa (5 Tests) can see him get picked over Gill and Jaiswal for the 2-match series.
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