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Cheteshwar Pujara suggested that India should not change their opening pair of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Instead he suggested that Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill should take up number three and five in the batting order respectively.
Rohit Sharma will hope to get back among the runs in Australia. (BCCI Photo)
With Rohit Sharma returning to the Indian team, questions have been asked regarding KL Rahul’s position at the top of the order being at risk. Cheteshwar Pujara, India’s number three batter during their previous tour of Australia called for Rohit to drop down and take up the number three position in the batting order for the pink-ball Test in Adelaide.
Rahul has shown signs of form after scoring a gritty 77 to help India set the platform for a massive second-innings lead. Pujara has called for the opening pair to continue and suggested that Rohit comes at three while Shubman Gill comes at five.
“I think, for some reason, if we can carry on with the same batting order like KL and Yashasvi to open, Rohit could come in at three, and Shubman could come in at five,” Pujara said in a chat with ESPNCricinfo.
“If Rohit wants to open, KL should bat at No. 3. Nothing later than that. I think he has to bat top of the order because it suits his game well. I hope we don’t tinker around with that,” he added.
Gill who missed the first Test due to a thumb injury will likely make his return. The batter is already back in training in the nets and Pujara feels that his skills at the number five position could be ideal especially when India loses quite a few wickets up top, but also continues with his game against the older ball.
“Ideally No. 5 (for Gill). Because it allows him to come in at a time, even if we lose two wickets early, he is someone who can negotiate the new ball,” Pujara said.
“But if he walks in after, say, 25 or 30 overs, he can play his shots. He can play his natural game. And in case we lose the first three wickets early, Gill walks in and saves Rishabh Pant for the old ball,” he added.
Gill began his career at the top of the order and has since made the switch to the number three position. But with Rahul’s form at the top of the order, the likes of Rohit and Gill could be utilized in different positions than what they are used to.
India also plays a two-day warm-up game in Canberra ahead of the pink-ball Test in Adelaide.
(with PTI Inputs)
