India’s Lineup Revealed: Rohit Sharma to Bat in the Middle, Jaiswal-Rahul to Open

Rohit Sharma to Bat in the Middle Order for Pink-Ball Test Against Australia

As India prepares for the much-anticipated pink-ball Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide, Rohit Sharma has put to rest speculations about his batting position. “He’ll be opening the batting; I’ll bat somewhere in the middle,” Rohit confirmed, indicating that Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul will continue their successful opening partnership from the first Test in Perth.

This move adds depth to India’s batting lineup, with Rohit likely slotting in at No. 5, while Shubman Gill, returning from injury, is expected to bat at No. 3. The likely top seven for India in Adelaide includes: Jaiswal, Rahul, Gill, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and an allrounder before the bowlers.

Why Stick with Jaiswal and Rahul?

India’s decision to retain the Jaiswal-Rahul opening pair comes after their commanding second-innings partnership in Perth. While Jaiswal had a forgettable start with a duck in the first innings, he redeemed himself with a gritty 161 in the second. Batting for over seven hours, he displayed resilience and flair, helping India recover from an early collapse.

KL Rahul, stepping up in Rohit’s absence, delivered under pressure. His 26 in the first innings and a patient 77 in the second showcased his ability to withstand Australia’s formidable bowling attack. Together, they added 201 runs in the second innings, laying the foundation for India’s win.

With this partnership flourishing, the team management appears inclined to keep the momentum intact, while also leveraging Rohit’s versatility in the middle order.

Rohit Sharma’s Recent Test Form

Rohit’s move to the middle order might also be strategic, considering his recent dip in Test form. Over his last ten innings, he has managed only 133 runs, with a highest score of 52. Placing him in a less exposed position could allow him to regain confidence while still contributing significantly to the team’s performance.

India’s Batting Lineup for the Adelaide Test

India’s probable batting order for the pink-ball Test looks solid:

Yashasvi Jaiswal: A rising star with the potential to deliver big innings.
KL Rahul: Proven adaptability and a strong technique against the new ball.
Shubman Gill: Talented and returning with a point to prove after injury.
Virat Kohli: The backbone of India’s batting lineup.
Rohit Sharma: Adding experience and flexibility in the middle order.
Rishabh Pant: A game-changer capable of quick runs in critical situations.
Allrounder: Likely Ravindra Jadeja or Axar Patel to lend balance.

Australia’s Threat with the Pink Ball

Australia’s pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Boland, along with Nathan Lyon, will pose a formidable challenge. India’s decision to field a stable and experienced batting lineup indicates their intent to counter this threat effectively.

Key Talking Points Ahead of the Test

Will the pink ball under lights challenge India’s top-order resilience?
How will Rohit Sharma adapt to his new role in the middle order?
Can Jaiswal and Rahul replicate their Perth heroics against Australia’s bowlers?

Brief Recap of the Perth Test

India won the first Test in Perth, thanks to their impressive second-innings turnaround. After being bundled out for 156 in the first innings, India put up 394 in the second, with contributions from Jaiswal (161) and Rahul (77). The bowlers then restricted Australia to 215, sealing a memorable win.