Image courtesy: X / BCCI
As India prepares for the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide starting December 6, the return of skipper Rohit Sharma from paternity leave has sparked discussions about the team’s batting lineup. KL Rahul, who opened with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the first Test in Perth, faces a potential reshuffling in the order with Rohit’s inclusion. India is currently leading the five-match series 1-0 after a dominant 295-run win in the opener.
Cheteshwar Pujara, a seasoned campaigner in India’s past successes in Australia, has offered his thoughts on how the batting order should shape up, emphasizing the need to utilize Rahul’s strengths effectively.
Rohit’s Return and Its Impact
Rohit Sharma’s return is a significant boost for India, both as a captain and an opener. During his absence, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal formed a formidable opening partnership in the second innings of the Perth Test, putting on 201 runs—a record for India’s first wicket in Australia. While Jaiswal’s position as an opener seems secure, the question now is where Rahul fits in with Rohit back in the mix.
Cheteshwar Pujara’s Perspective
Pujara believes that maintaining the stability of the batting order is crucial, suggesting that Rahul should remain in the top three to capitalize on his game. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Pujara proposed two scenarios:
- Rahul Opens With Jaiswal, Rohit at No. 3:
“For some reason, if we can carry on with the same batting order, like KL and Yashasvi to open, Rohit could come in at three, and Shubman [Gill] could come in at five,” Pujara said. - Rohit Opens With Jaiswal, Rahul at No. 3:
“If Rohit wants to open, KL should bat at No. 3. Nothing later than that. I think he has to bat at the top of the order because it suits his game really well,” Pujara added, emphasizing that Rahul’s technique and temperament are best utilized in the top order.
Shubman Gill’s Role
Shubman Gill, who missed the Perth Test due to a thumb injury, is expected to return to the playing XI. Pujara suggests that Gill’s natural strokeplay and ability to handle pressure make him an ideal candidate for the No. 5 spot. This placement allows him to come in at a time when the ball is relatively older and conditions are more favorable for batting.
“Ideally No. 5. Because it allows him (Gill) to come in at a time, even if we lose two wickets early, he is someone who can negotiate the new ball,” Pujara explained. He further noted that Gill walking in later provides a cushion for Rishabh Pant, sparing the wicketkeeper-batter from facing the new ball in challenging conditions.
Possible Batting Lineup for Adelaide Test
Based on Pujara’s suggestions and team dynamics, here is a potential batting order:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Rohit Sharma (captain)
- KL Rahul
- Virat Kohli
- Shubman Gill
- Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper)
- Ravindra Jadeja
This lineup ensures a mix of stability and aggression, with flexibility to adapt based on match situations.
What Lies Ahead
India’s preparations include a two-day warm-up game against Australia’s Prime Ministers XI at Manuka Oval in Canberra from November 30. The match will provide valuable practice for Rohit, Gill, and others ahead of the pink-ball Test.
With India leading the series 1-0, maintaining their momentum in Adelaide will be key. The decisions around KL Rahul’s batting position and the overall batting order will play a pivotal role in ensuring a balanced and effective lineup. As Pujara aptly put it, tinkering too much with the batting order could disrupt the rhythm of a side that has started the series on a high.
The second Test promises to be a crucial encounter, and all eyes will be on how Rohit Sharma and the team management handle these strategic choices.
