Team India proved every apprehension, doubt, speculation and ridicule wrong and started the Australia tour with a spectacular victory. Team India took the lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by defeating Australia by 295 runs in the first test match. This victory of Team India was also special because it came without its captain Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah took command and led the team to victory. Now the wait is for the second test match and for this, captain Rohit has returned. His return has not only increased the strength of the team but has also raised questions about the playing eleven. The big question is – will Rohit sacrifice himself?
The first match of the Test series was played in Perth. Rohit was not there for this match, because he had taken a break from this match due to the birth of his son. Star batsman Shubman Gill was also not able to play in it because he had injured his thumb. In such a situation, Team India had to use other options, in which experienced batsman KL Rahul was given the responsibility of opening. Questions were being raised continuously about Rahul before this series but he answered them all in Perth.
Will Rohit sacrifice his place?
Rahul appeared to be the best batsman of Team India in both the innings and in the second innings, he made a 200-run partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal and ensured the victory of Team India. Now after Rohit’s return, the question has started arising whether Rohit should return to the opening or Rahul should be retained? The recent form of the Indian captain has not been good and he has been getting out early in the beginning. His trouble in front of the new ball was clearly visible. In comparison to him, Rahul looked composed in front of the new ball.
So, for the sake of the team, should Rohit sacrifice his place and get Rahul to open? Team India’s experienced batsman Cheteshwar Pujara also believes the same. Pujara also said in the ESPN-Cricinfo show that Rohit should bat at number three and Rahul should open the batting. However, Pujara also said that if Rohit returns to the opening, then Rahul should not be dropped from the top order and should be fielded at number three.
The answer will come from the practice match!
Now the question is that if Rahul bats at number three, then where will Shubman Gill go, who is expected to return in the second test. Pujara had earlier also given his opinion regarding this that Gill should be fielded for batting at number four or five. Even before, some former cricketers have given such opinion regarding Gill that he can prove to be better for Team India at number four or five. Now there is a second test match in Adelaide from 6th November, which is to be played in day-night format. To prepare for this match, a practice match will be played on 30 November and 1 December. This practice match can give a glimpse of which batting order Team India will field in Adelaide.