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Team India are ready to face Australia during the Pink Ball Test at Adelaide Oval, starting December 6. After an emphatic victory in Perth, India head into the second Test with confidence and renewed momentum. The day-night format brings unique challenges, but India’s strong performance in the warm-up match against the Prime Minister’s XI has boosted its readiness.
The return of the skipper Rohit Sharma and young star Shubman Gil added to the pre-match buzz. Although both players missed the first Test, their inclusion for the Adelaide match sparked discussions about India’s potential batting order.
Sanjay Manjrekar casts role as Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill in line-up
Rohit’s return comes amid debate over his ideal batting position. During the warm-up match, the Indian captain chose to give KL Rahul the opening slot, a move that drew praise for prioritizing team strategy over personal preference.
Notably, Rohit had missed the Perth Test due to personal commitments, allowing Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal to open. The two men put in a remarkable performance, including a record partnership of 200 sessions, strengthening their position at the top.
Cricket pundits have since wondered whether Rohit will fit into the middle order, a role that could offer stability and capitalize on his adaptability. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has weighed in on the Indian batting conundrum, endorsing Rohit’s potential move to number 3, noting that the transition would not be drastic for the experienced batter. Moreover, Manjrekar also suggested that Gill should bat at No. 5 in the Pink Ball Test.
“I think Gill, given he is playing his first Test match of the series, the No.5 would actually ensure more success and contribution. For Rohit Sharma, this (No. 3) won’t make a huge difference between opening the innings and batting at No. 5. So number 3 would be a good compromise,” Manjrekar said on ESPNcricinfo.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Rohit Sharma or KL Rahul? Who should open for India in the Adelaide Test
Manjrekar hails logical approach to team management
Manjrekar pointed out that retaining the successful opening pair of Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswalwho forged a historic partnership of 200 in the first Test, is a logical decision based on their current form and impact. He praised the team’s management for prioritizing performance and strategy over seniority, as shown in past decisions such as selection. Washington Sundar on experienced spinners.
“For me, that’s a clear indication. This is as clear as it gets. Just as we all wondered if the successful opening pair from the last game would be dismantled, given that it was such an important contribution. Imagine, Australia’s first ever 200-strong partnership for the opening wicket. And we also saw the result. I doubt this team management, who actually think about the logic of cricket and current form, by choosing someone like Washi over Ashwin and Jadeja, will again focus on stature and senior/iconic player exiting at the top. You rely on common sense and current reality. » added Manjrekar.
