Indian captain Rohit Sharma has landed in Perth ahead of the second Test against Australia. He missed the ongoing Test versus Australia owing to personal reasons, but he is back with the squad now, and he will be available for the second Test match. In the absence of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul received a chance to open the batting for India.
Rahul grabbed the opportunity with both hands. In the first innings, he scored 26 when the team was bundled out for 150, and in the second innings, he scored 77, stitching up an incredible 201 run opening stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal.
It will be harsh on Rahul if he gets removed from the opener’s slot for the second Test. Here are two ways Rohit Sharma can still make his return to the playing XI by keeping Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul as openers.
1. Rohit Sharma bats at number 3, KL Rahul continues to open
Rohit Sharma himself has had a hard time opening the batting for India. He had a forgettable home Test series against New Zealand recently. Perhaps, a change in batting position can work wonders for Rohit. He can come to bat at number three, replacing Devdutt Padikkal in the playing XI.
Looking at how the pair of Jaiswal and Rahul stitched up a partnership for the ages in Perth, Rohit himself may want to bat below the top two positions and keep that opening combination.
2. Rohit Sharma bats at number 6, replacing Dhruv Jurel
Dhruv Jurel could not impress much in the first Test against Australia. He managed only 12 runs in two innings. If the Indian team wants to give a longer rope to Devdutt Padikkal at number three, Dhruv Jurel can be the one who gets dropped.
Sharma started his Test career as a middle-order batter. Considering the dip in his form, Rohit can go back to his original position again. In fact, if he plays quick selfless knocks with intent at number six, it can make a difference in the match.
