Rohit Sharma is facing calls to return as an opener for the third Test against Australia in Brisbane, but he may prefer to stick to batting at No. 6. After missing the first Test due to paternity leave and scoring 3 and 6 in the Pink Ball Test, his suitability as an opener is under scrutiny, especially after KL Rahul’s inconsistent showing in Adelaide despite excelling in Perth.
Rohit’s performance in SENA countries reveals a batting average of just under 30 across 46 innings, but it improves to 37.8 in 20 innings as an opener, largely due to his success in England in 2021. However, a BCCI Level 3 coach believes Rohit’s limited footwork and age-related decline in reflexes make opening against the Red Kookaburra at Gabba a challenging prospect.
“Rohit has always had limited footwork, and at 37, his reflexes have slowed, causing him to pick lengths late,” the coach explained. He added that shorter front-foot strides expose Rohit to both inside and outside edges, a vulnerability amplified by Australia’s seaming conditions.
Also Read: Adelaide Test: Rohit Sharma Chooses to Bat First in Pink-Ball Test
Batting at No. 6 could alleviate this issue, as Rohit would likely face a semi-old or old Kookaburra ball, reducing the challenges posed by its seam movement. “At No. 6, he can play freely, facing bowlers who are already fatigued,” the coach said.
Despite these considerations, critics like Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar advocate for Rohit’s return to the top order, citing his aggression and body language. “He looked subdued in the middle order; at the top, he can be more expressive,” Shastri noted. Gavaskar echoed, “Rohit should reclaim his spot as an opener since Rahul was a temporary fill-in.”
The debate continues as Rohit’s placement could significantly influence India’s strategy at the Gabba.
