When it comes to the opening combination for the Test series against Australia, Team India have a lot of options to choose from.
Apart from Mayank Agarwal and Prithvi Shaw, who will open the innings in the first Test at the Adelaide Oval, there is a highly talented youngster in Shubman Gill, who registered the scores of 43 and 65 in the second warm-up game against Australia ‘A’ at SCG.
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With the experience of 36 Tests under his belt primarily as an opener, KL Rahul is also part of the squad.
However, India skipper Virat Kohli on Wednesday (December 16) clarified that Rahul won’t be considered for the opening slot during the four-Test series Down Under.
Kohli also hinted that Rohit Sharma will be a definite starter as and when he returns to full fitness.
"It all boils down to combination. KL is obviously a quality player. We'll have to see what combination suits the balance of the side the best. Everyone is playing well, feeling good. We have a lot of quality players. Someone like a Hanuma Vihari as well, has been very solid. He's someone who has a lot of grit and character as well," Kohli said in the pre-match press conference.
"KL was brought into the side understanding that we do have opening options already, and when we have Rohit (Sharma) back, we have another established opener who is going to start. So, KL, where and how he fits in is a conversation we have to monitor closely.
"We have to bring our best squad to Australia and then whatever combination you want to go in with according to the team balance according to conditions, you go with," he added.
The Indian captain wants the youngsters to play with freedom while he expects the seniors to take more responsibility.
"It's exciting to have young guys in the team. You can literally just tell them to go there and enjoy their skill-sets and capitalise when they have opportunities, and let senior guys take the responsibility, pressure and load of a full Test series," Kohli remarked.
(Inputs from CricketNext)
