New Delhi: Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh opined that Indian skipper Rohit Sharma will bat in the top order for the second Test match in Adelaide, starting on December 6. Rohit will be back to lead India after missing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener in Perth as he opted to stay back in India after the birth of his second child.
In Rohit’s absence, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal opened the innings for India in the first Test match. The duo recorded the highest partnership by an Indian pair on Australian soil with 201 runs in the second innings. With Rohit and youngster Shubman Gill available for the second Test, which will be played in a day-night setup with pink ball, the Indian batting order is likely to see a rejig.
During India’s practice match in Canberra against Australia’s PM XI, Rohit walked in to bat at No.4 with Rahul and Jaiswal opening again and Shubman Gill was slotted at No.3. Rohit’s demotion in the batting order was a hint that he could possibly bat lower in Adelaide. However, Harbhajan said that Rohit won’t bat any lower than the No.3 slot but most likely will open.
“I don’t see Rohit coming in at number five or six. Either Rohit will open with Yashasvi Jaiswal, with KL Rahul coming in at number three, or he will bat no later than number three,” Harbhajan told news agency PTI on the sidelines of the inauguration of the World Tennis Cricket League here.
“Number six for Rohit wouldn’t be in best interest of the team. Your top four in batting order should be the four pillars and someone like Rohit at the top would only add greater fillip,” he added.
Harbhajan gives his take on Ashwin’s selection
India played Washington Sundar as the lone spinner in the first Test after the Tamil Nadu all-rounder was impressive in the team’s dismal whitewash against New Zealand at home. The plan to play one spinner was in the interest of playing four pace bowlers, including all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. Sundar, nonetheless, was preferred ahead of senior players Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
“Washington had showed during the New Zealand series that he is ready to take over the mantle from Ashwin in coming days,” Harbhajan said.
“I don’t think 38 (Ashwin’s age) is old. He is not a 58- year-old. But yes, after so many years, the shoulders do experience fatigue and wear and tear, so the zip can just be a bit less,” he added.
India lead the five-match series 1-0 after a formidable 295-run win in Perth under the captaincy of Jasprit Bumrah.
Rohit Sharma will be back to lead India after missing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener in Perth as he opted to stay back in India after the birth of his second child. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
