Harbhajan Singh, former India spinner, has predicted changes to the Indian XI for the upcoming third BGT 2024 Test to be played in Brisbane from December 14 onwards. He also stated that Rohit Sharma should continue to bat at the No. 6 spot.
Rohit gave up his slot for KL Rahul, but the shift to No.6 was a flop for the India captain. Rohit scored only 9 runs in both innings, and India lost the match by 10 wickets.
Harbhajan Singh stated that he does not expect any changes to the batting order, and Rohit would continue to bat at No. 6. Harbhajan feels it might not be wise to send an out-of-form Rohit up top for the match in Brisbane.
"I don't think there will be any change in the batting order. I feel the batting order will be like this only. We discussed yesterday on the show that Rohit Sharma should probably come up with the order. (Sunil) Gavaskar sahab also said that, but I feel the team management will not think like that.
They will probably go with the same kind of batting order that worked for them in Perth. Rohit is also not in great form. So why would you send him (Rohit) up the order when he is not in form? I feel you should start with KL Rahul and Yashasvi (Jaiswal) only, and Rohit should bat in the middle order," Harbhajan said on Star Sports.
Furthermore, Harbhajan Singh also predicted two changes in Indian XI for the Brisbane Test, that will be played on a pacy and bouncy pitch. He believed that India might bring back Washington Sundar in place of R Ashwin for the match in Brisbane based on his performance in Perth.
The former spinner also believes Prasidh Krishna might take the place of Harshit Rana, who struggled in the Adelaide Test.
"I feel we might see one change. Washington Sundar might come back and play in Brisbane. Although Ashwin didn't bowl much and didn't get much opportunity to do anything special, the way Washington Sundar's first match went, he picked up two wickets and is slightly better with the bat, I feel he will be played.
I feel we will see one change in fast bowling. Prasidh Krishna can probably play in place of Harshit Rana. He has the height and can get the ball to bounce. I feel he can be quite handy on that fast wicket," Harbhajan reasoned.
India needs to win a majority of the remaining three Tests against Australia to remain in contention for the WTC 2025 final.
