Border Gavaskar Trophy: Rohit Sharma agrees to bat in the middle-order for KL Rahul and Indian team's benefit

India captain Rohit Sharma has announced that he will take up a middle-order role in the second Test against Australia in Adelaide, starting on December 6. The decision comes after the successful opening partnership between KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the first Test in Perth. Sharma expressed his confidence in the pair, stating that their strong performance was a key factor in India’s dominant 295-run victory, and he sees no reason to disrupt the combination. Rahul and Jaiswal showcased exceptional chemistry at the top of the order, putting together a stellar 201-run partnership that laid the foundation for India’s commanding win. Jaiswal, the young and promising opener, impressed with his technique and temperament, while Rahul provided stability and experience at the other end. Their partnership not only set the tone for the match but also highlighted their potential as a reliable opening pair for India.

Border Gavaskar Trophy: Rohit Sharma will not disturb Rahul-Jaiswal opening pair

By moving to the middle order, Sharma aims to provide flexibility and stability to the batting lineup. His experience and ability to anchor the innings will be crucial in countering Australia’s potent bowling attack under the lights with the pink ball. With India leading the series 1-0, Sharma’s selfless decision reflects his focus on maintaining team balance and momentum. As the team gears up for the second Test in Adelaide, all eyes will be on whether this strategic move further strengthens India’s chances of clinching the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25.

Ahead of the India vs Australia second Test in Adelaide, there was considerable speculation about India’s batting order, with suggestions that Rohit Sharma might return to his usual role as an opener, pushing KL Rahul back to number six, a position where Rahul has batted frequently in recent years. However, these plans seemed to shift during India’s warm-up game against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra.

In that PM XI vs India pink ball warm-up match, Rahul opened the innings, while skipper Rohit batted at number four, a slot typically occupied by Virat Kohli. This line-up hinted at a potential change in strategy, with the captain possibly moving to the middle order to strengthen the lineup against Australia’s bowling attack in the day-night Test. The speculation was put to rest on the eve of the second Test when Rohit confirmed the plan to bat in the middle order. He explained that the decision was driven by the stellar performance of the opening pair, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, in the first Test, where they crafted a match-winning 201-run partnership.

“Yeah, KL Rahul will be opening the batting. I will be batting somewhere in the middle. Way KL batted, I was watching from home with a newborn baby on my arms, he played brilliantly so there is no need to change now, things might be different in future - the way KL bats in overseas, he deserves that spot at this point of time,” Indian captain Rohit Sharma said in the press conference.

Rohit Sharma on KL Rahul Opening the innings in the 2nd Test match - "Personally it was not easy for me but for the team it made a lot of sense." pic.twitter.com/baKqQpaiqk

— Kuljot (@Ro45Kuljot_) December 5, 2024

Indian captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged that the decision to move down the batting order was not an easy one, given that he hasn’t played in the middle order for a long time. However, he emphasized that the move was made in the best interest of the team, reflecting his commitment to adaptability and leadership. Rohit admitted that opening the innings has been his preferred role for several years, where he has enjoyed remarkable success. Shifting to the middle order presents a fresh challenge, especially in the high-stakes environment of a day-night Test. Despite this, he expressed readiness to take on the responsibility, placing the team’s needs above personal preferences.

The decision highlights India’s strategic approach to building a cohesive and balanced batting lineup, especially following the success of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top in the series opener. Rohit’s experience and ability to handle pressure make him a key figure in the middle order, particularly in challenging conditions under lights.

“The partnership with KL & Jaiswal probably won us the Test match – I don’t see we needed to change that – it was pretty easy for me, and for the team it made sense," Rohit added.