It was a clear signal as Rohit Sharma came out to bat at No. 4 as India played a pink-ball practice match against Prime Minister’s XI at the Manuka Oval in Canberra for Sanjay Manjrekar that Rohit won’t be opening in the next 2nd Test with Australia at Adelaide. His batting position has been the subject of much discussion, especially after India has started to see through their batting order, as they head into what would be the most vital day-night Test.

Which Is Ideal Spot To Bat For Rohit Sharma?

Traditionally, Rohit has always opened for India in Tests, but the stunning performances of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul at the top of the order in the second innings of the Perth Test bring a dilemma to the team management. The last time Rohit didn’t open for India was in a Test match in 2018 during the Boxing Day Test against Australia. But now this decision is rest in the hands of the head coach Gautam Gambhir, Rohit himself, and the team management as India wants to move forward in the series as well.

Team India In Dilemma

In Perth, Rahul, who replaced Rohit at the top, played a solid knock of 77 in the second innings, while Jaiswal produced a stunning 161. The pair put on a record 201-run partnership, which set the foundation for India’s dominant 295-run victory. While Rohit could return to the opening spot, doing so might disrupt the winning combination—something India would likely want to avoid against a formidable Australian team.

Manjrekar Gives “Clear Indication”

“For me, it’s a clear indication. This is as clear as it gets. Just like we were all contemplating and wondering whether the successful opening pair from the last match would be dismantled, considering it was such an important contribution. So yeah, very clear indication,” Manjrekar said while speaking on ESPNCricinfo.

“You Go By Common-Sense And Current Reality”

“It makes a lot of sense. Just imagine, the first-ever 200-run partnership in Australia for the opening wicket. And we saw the result as well. I doubt whether this team management which is actually thinking cricket logic and current form picking somebody like a Washy over Ashwin and Jadeja, will again go by stature and the incumbent senior/iconic player at the top. You go by common-sense and current reality. Rohit Sharma is somebody who will volunteer himself as captain, so I think it’s the right move. Make the most of what you have gained in that second inning.”

“No.3 Would Be A Nice Compromise”

“I think Gill, considering that he is playing his first Test match of the series, No. 5 would actually ensure more of a success and contribution. For Rohit Sharma, it (No.3) won’t be a massive difference from opening the innings and batting at No. 5. So No. 3 would be a nice compromise,” he added.

“Do Whatever Makes Cricketing Sense”

“And I think while we are on this topic, maybe Indian cricket must also reach a stage where they don’t give too much importance to batting positions like you have in T20 cricket. Do whatever makes cricketing sense and that’s also something that the Indian team management might think about.”

Manjrekar feels that while there is some vagueness about Rohit’s role, it is obvious that he will not be opening the innings. Instead, Manjrekar believes that Rohit could bat at No. 3, while Shubman Gill, who makes his series debut, could slide down to No. 5. Manjrekar feels that Gill, who has shown promise in previous series, could be better off with this move as India continues to look for the perfect balance in their line-up.