Border Gavaskar Trophy: What is the best for Rohit Sharma in Brisbane?

Rohit Sharma finds himself at the center of a strategic debate as Indian cricket circles buzz with calls for his return to the opening slot ahead of the Australia vs India third Test scheduled to be hosted at The Gabba in Brisbane, starting from 14 December, 2024. Despite the clamor from experts and commentators, Rohit may opt to tune out the external noise and remain at the number six position, at least for the crucial encounter. Interestingly, Rohit missed the first Test of the series on paternity leave but returned for the Pink Ball Test in Adelaide, where he managed scores of just 3 and 6. His underwhelming performance has prompted discussions about the best position for him in the batting order. Many believe that Rohit’s proven prowess as an opener could bolster India's chances, especially in light of KL Rahul’s struggles in Adelaide.

What is the best batting slot for Rohit Sharma in the India vs Australia 3rd Test?

KL Rahul, who shone in the opening Test in Perth, was unable to replicate his success in the second game, leading to speculation about a reshuffle at the top of the order. While Rohit’s adaptability makes him a viable candidate to reclaim the opener’s slot, his recent stint in the middle order may provide India with the depth and stability they need, particularly in challenging Australian conditions. With the India vs Australia five-match Test series finely poised at 1-1, the team management’s decision on Rohit’s batting position could play a pivotal role in determining India’s fortunes as they chase a critical victory to strengthen their bid for the World Test Championship Final.

Rohit Sharma's performance in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) conditions has sparked debate about his ideal batting position. Across all positions in 46 completed innings, Rohit averages just under 30. However, in 20 innings as an opener, his average climbs to 37.8, boosted significantly by his successful English summer in 2021. Despite this, questions remain about whether opening is the best choice for him in the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy. 

A BCCI Level 3 coach, who has previously worked at the National Cricket Academy, analyzed Rohit’s technique in detail, offering insights into why a return to the top of the order may not suit the Indian skipper at this moment. The coach highlighted technical aspects of Rohit's batting that could make him vulnerable in the testing conditions of Australia, especially against the new ball. Given the current scenario, sticking to the middle order may provide Rohit with the best opportunity to regain form while offering India more stability in critical situations. With the series delicately poised, team management faces a tough decision as they weigh Rohit’s past successes as an opener against the pressing demands of the present.

“Rohit Sharma has had very limited footwork all his career, even when he was in his prime. Obviously, at 37 and half years, the reflexes have slowed down and he is picking the length a trifle late,” the qualified batting coach told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

“The same Rohit will look very different in the IPL where you might still find him scoring a 35-ball-70 for Mumbai Indians with opposition having at least a couple of mid-130s domestic bowler,” he added.

The coach provided compelling reasons why Rohit Sharma might be better suited to batting at No. 6 for the third Test at the Gabba. He highlighted that with Rohit’s current footwork, opening against the new Red Kookaburra ball could pose significant challenges. The ball is likely to dart around and seam under Gabba’s conditions, making it difficult for the Indian skipper to find his rhythm early on. However, if Rohit bats at No. 6, he would likely face an older or semi-old Kookaburra ball. By that stage, the ball’s seam would be less pronounced, and its movement subdued, providing a more stable environment for Rohit to play his natural game.

"He can play his customary attacking game and get quick runs. If he comes when the second new ball is taken, that means (Mitchell) Starc and (Pat) Cummins have both bowled 25 odd overs,” the coach noted.

Rohit Sharma found considerable success during the 2021 England tour, where he scored his maiden Test hundred in a SENA country—a memorable 127 at The Oval. His performance in that series showcased a key adjustment in his technique: a pronounced front-foot stride to counter the swing and seam movement. This adjustment proved vital in managing the challenging conditions and contributed significantly to his success.

However, the dynamics in Australia differ from those in England. In England, the ball tends to deviate at a sharper angle, demanding precise technique. While a longer stride was crucial there, it’s worth noting that in Australian conditions, even with shorter footwork, batters might edge and miss due to the ball’s movement off the seam and the extra bounce. The contrast between these conditions suggests that replicating the same approach from England may not yield similar results in Australia. The subtleties of playing on Australian pitches demand a tailored strategy, reinforcing the argument for Rohit to potentially adjust his position in the batting order to maximize his effectiveness against the specific challenges posed by the Gabba.