India face a selection headache ahead of the pink-ball Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval. Rohit Sharma, who missed the first Test due to paternity leave, is set to return as a captain.
Shubman Gill, who was ruled out of the Perth Test due to a fractured thumb, is also back in contention. With Rohit and fit-again Gill set to return to the playing XI, likely replacing Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel, the team management must address the opening combination.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul stitched a double-century stand as openers in Perth’s second innings, making a strong case to retain their partnership.
Amid the dilemma, former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has opined that the Indian team management should go with the opening partnership of Jaiswal and Rahul.
During India’s practice match against Australia’s PM XI in Canberra, Rohit walked in to bat at No.4 while Jaiswal and Rahul opened the innings and Gill was slotted at No.3. Rohit’s demotion in the batting order was a hint that he could possibly bat in the middle order during the Adeliade Test.
“Yes, for me it’s a clear indication. I thought of maybe a few other things why they would do that. But this is, I think, as clear as it gets that just like we were all contemplating and wondering whether the very, very successful opening pair that we had in the second innings of the last match to be dismantled considering it made such an important contribution. So yeah, a very clear indication," Manjrekar was quoted as saying on ESPNCricinfo.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul also looked good in the warm-up fixture, which was curtailed to a 46-over per side contest, returning with scores of 45 and 27 (retired hurt) respectively.
“Just imagine the first-ever 200-plus partnership for the opening wicket in Australia, and we saw the result as well. So, I doubt whether this team management is thinking cricket logic and current form. They’ll use common sense, and in the current reality, Rohit, who could himself volunteer, is the right move to make the most of what you’ve gained," Manjrekar said.
He added: "I think Gill considering his first Test match of the series, that number (No. 3) would actually ensure more success from Shubman Gill, a contribution. And Rohit Sharma as well it won’t be a massive difference from opening the innings and batting at No. 5."
“So, No.3 would be a nice compromise. Indian cricket also must reach a stage where they don’t give too much importance to batting positions like you have in T20 cricket that keeps swapping. So, whatever makes cricketing sense, and that always is something that maybe the Indian team management might think about."
India lead the five-match series 1-0 after a thumping 295-run win in the Perth Test under the captaincy of Jasprit Bumrah.
