Former India pacer Ajit Agarkar on Thursday (December 24) said he would be really surprised if Ajinkya Rahane does not promote himself to number four in the batting order, in the absence of Virat Kohli, for the remainder of the ongoing four-match Test series in Australia.
With Kohli returning home on paternity leave, Rahane is set to captain the Indian team in the remaining three Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting with the Boxing Day Test on December 26 in Melbourne.
Calling for Shubman Gill’s inclusion to the squad for the second Test in Melbourne, Agarkar has pointed out Rahane has the experience of the Australian conditions and scores more on away Tests, hence, he should promote himself to no.4 in the Indian line-up against Australia.
Agarkar told ANI: “I think Rahane should promote himself to number four in Kohli's absence. He has the experience and he has scored runs away from India. This is a time when the leader needs to stand up, I will be surprised if Rahane does not promote himself to number four.
I think Shubman Gill should play, I have been advocating for that for a while, he has the potential. I know he opens for Punjab in domestic cricket, but if someone like him does well, he can serve Indian cricket for a long time.”
On the struggling Prithvi Shaw, the former pacer said: “Obviously, if your openers don't perform, it puts more pressure on your middle order. That is a given, especially in overseas conditions if you can play out the new ball, life becomes easier for the middle-order batters. One Test doesn't make you a good player or a bad player, if it becomes a pattern then you have to worry.”
He continued, “You also have to remember it has been nine months since India last played a Test match, it is not easy to just turn up and expect things to happen. Even Australia looked rusty but on the third day of the first Test, Australia really bowled well and everything that was bowled well, caught the edge of the bat. India's openers need to start playing better otherwise life will keep on getting difficult.
Just because someone failed in a practice game, you do not change the line-up if you think that's your best team on an overseas tour, you go with it. Rishabh Pant scored a ton in the practice game, but he was not part of the first Test, does that mean it was a wrong decision? Mayank Agarwal has not done much in the first Test either, when you are bowled out for 36, it is unfair to single out a player.
One innings does not make you a great or bad player, I was impressed with the decision of playing Shaw in the first Test, if you backed him seeing his performance in practice games, it shows you are sure about your plans. Sometimes you need to stick to them despite what is being talked about outside.”
He also feels Shaw should be given one more Test chance to prove himself in Australia.
Ajit further opined, “Right now, Shaw is the flavor of the season or the month that everyone is trying to pile upon him, but you have to remember why he was your first choice opening option. To start dismissing people, might be a little harsh, it will not boost his confidence. Everyone can see he is not in great form but it takes just one innings to change that.
If you decided to play someone in the first match, then he surely deserves a chance. It will be harsh if there are too many changes after the first Test especially when the team was bowled out for 36.”
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The former pacer also said India will struggle to take 20 wickets in Australia without Mohammad Shami who was ruled out of the Test series with a fracture to his arm in the Adelaide Test.
Agarkar further noted, “It is going to be difficult for sure in Shami's absence. What Shami and Bumrah have done with Ishant in support has been brilliant. When you lose that type of player early in the series, it is always difficult. It is an opportunity for someone else to make a name, you have to remember these are Australian conditions and as a fast bowler, you do get some assistance.”
He signed off by saying, “If you trust Jadeja to bat at number six, then you can understand playing five bowlers. Otherwise, I do not see any reason for playing five bowlers especially when you were bundled out for 36, you need that extra cushion.”
(With ANI Inputs)
