Rohit Sharma returned to India’s playing XI for the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test after missing the series opener in Perth due to paternity leave.
In his absence, KL Rahul opened the innings along with Yashasvi Jaiswal and the pair stitched a double-century stand in Perth’s second innings to set up India’s 295-run victory, making a strong case to retain their partnership.
As it turned out, Rohit moved down to No. 6 for the pink-ball Test in Adelaide to allow Rahul and Jaiswal to continue opening. However, the decision backfired as the Indian captain managed to score only nine runs across two innings.
Ahead of the third Test in Brisbane, Australian legend Ricky Ponting has opined that Rohit Sharma is best served at the top of the batting order and should return to his preferred position.
“I felt that if (Rohit) Sharma was coming back into the side, he should have gone straight back up to the top and opened the batting,” Ponting said on the recent episode of The ICC Review.
“That's how I felt about it. And I know that KL and Jaiswal had a 200-run partnership in Perth and they had played well, but he's (Rohit) your captain. He's one of your most experienced players.
“You want to be sending him out at the top in his normal role. So that's something they might think about. They might think about Rohit going back to the top for Brisbane,” he explained.
The 37-year-old Rohit has scored only 142 runs at an average of 11.83 with one half-century in his last six Test matches since September 2024, leading to cricket pundits and former cricketers questioning his place in the side.
Asked if Sharma’s form was a cause of concern, Ponting replied: “It's like, you just know within yourself. You don't need anybody to tell you if you're making runs or not, or if you're batting well or not. You know deep down inside as well.”
“Rohit had an extended break before that Test match, and it wasn't the easiest wicket to bat on as well by the way, I think that needs to be said. Most guys struggled to make runs on that wicket.
“Whether worried is the right word…if it's just concern or just a little bit anxious about making runs next time you bat. But if I was India and him, I'd be trying to find a way to make it as comfortable as possible.
“And he's opened the batting for such a long period of time. I would get him straight back up there again and try to find a slot somewhere down the order for KL (Rahul).
“That's what I would do. Because I think that's what he (Rohit) would prefer,” he further remarked.
Australia won the second Test in Adelaide by 10 wickets to level the five-match series at 1-1. The third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is slated to be held at the Gabba from December 14.
