Rohit Sharma has joined the Indian squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 series against Australia. The Indian captain did not play the first Test match against Australia because of personal reasons. Jasprit Bumrah led the side in his absence, with India recording a win at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
In Rohit’s absence, the Indian team performed well, with captain Bumrah and coach Gautam Gambhir managing the team well. KL Rahul opened the innings in Rohit’s absence, and he did a fantastic job. The Indian side played a pink-ball practice match against Prime Minister’s XI, registering a five-wicket victory.
Rohit scored only three runs against Prime Minister’s XI, and he did not open the innings for the Indian team as well. Here are three reasons why Rohit should rest himself for the 2nd Test vs Australia.
1. Rohit Sharma is not in the best form in Test cricket right now
Rohit had a forgettable home Test series against New Zealand. He focused on giving fiery starts at the top, but the Indian team needs an opener, who can play lengthy knocks at the top. The Indian side needs an opening partnership like the one KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal stitched up in the second innings. Rahul and Jaiswal should continue as openers.
2. Shubman Gill will replace Devdutt Padikkal at number 3
Shubman Gill seems to have recovered from his injury. He looked in fine form in his return at the number three position, aggregating 50 runs off 62 balls. In fact, Gill did not even lose his wicket in the pink-ball practice match, as the Indian team had decided to retire him not out. So, it looks like Gill will take the number three position back from Padikkal.
3. There is practically no place for Rohit in the Indian batting lineup right now
There is practically no place for Rohit in the Indian team’s batting lineup right now. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul should open the innings, followed by Shubman Gill at number three, Virat Kohli at number four, Rishabh Pant at number five, Dhruv Jurel or Sarfaraz Khan at number six.
Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy will continue as number seven and number eight batters. Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj complete the lineup.
