Rohit Sharma ready to sacrifice the opening spot for KL Rahul in the Adelaide Test?

The warm-up match between India and the Prime Minister's XI at Manuka Oval has provided a glimpse into the likely batting order of the visitors for the second Test. India registered a dominant victory over the hosts to begin the Border Gavaskar Trophy Down Under. The visitors fielded a team led by pacer Jasprit Bumrah, as Rohit Sharma missed the Perth Test due to paternity leave. In Sharma's absence, KL Rahul put forth a notable batting display in the opening position, partnering with the young Yashasvi Jaiswal. Rahul scored 103 runs across the two innings at Optus Stadium. With Rohit's return ahead of the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, it was speculated that the skipper would reclaim the opening position. However, India's lineup for the warm-up match has presented a contrasting scenario.

Rohit Sharma positioned in the middle order for the India vs PM XI warm up match

The day-night practice match started with rain playing the spoilsport in Canberra. The opening day of the India vs PM XI clash was called off before the clouds allowed the game to commence on 1 December. Playing his first game since the home Test against New Zealand, Rohit Sharma opted to bat first against the Jack Edwards-led team at the Manuka Oval. Harshit Rana, who made his international debut in the Perth Test, registered an impressive spell where he scalped 4 for 44. Rana, playing his first match with the pink cherry managed to wrap up the opponent's innings below 250 runs.

Sam Konstas, who was overlooked when Australia chose Nathan McSweeney for the BGT squad, made a strong statement with a 90-ball century in Canberra. When it was India's turn to bat, KL Rahul joined Yashasvi Jaiswal to open the chase. The duo had previously set a record-breaking opening stand of 201 runs in the Perth Test. Shubman Gill, who missed the Perth Test due to a thumb injury, came in to bat at his usual No. 3 position.

As Virat Kohli skipped the warm-up game, skipper Rohit Sharma took the No. 4 spot in the batting order. In his brief innings against the PM XI, Rohit was dismissed for just three runs off 11 balls by Charlie Anderson. Rohit, who began his Test career in the middle order in 2013, moved to the top in 2019. Statistically, he has scored 2,685 runs in 42 Tests as an opener, but has only managed 107 runs in four innings at No. 3 and just four runs at No. 4. At No. 5, however, he has accumulated 437 runs from nine matches.

The rain-affected warm-up match was reduced to 50 overs a side before another rain delay on Day 2 further shortened the match, which ultimately became a 46-overs-a-side contest. Responding to the 240 posted by PM XI, Shubman Gill came up with a half century. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar from down the order scored 42 runs each as India won the game by 6 wickets.

The second Test between India and Australia in the Border Gavaskar Trophy will begin on December 6. Based on the combination India played at Manuka, Rohit Sharma is likely to bat at No. 5 in the batting order. The team seems eager to stick with the winning combination, with KL Rahul opening alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Shubman Gill, who appears fit to play, will take the No. 3 spot, while Devdutt Padikkal will sit out of the Adelaide Test. Virat Kohli will retain his usual No. 4 position, with Rohit Sharma at No. 5. With both Gill and Sharma returning, Dhruv Jurel is likely to join Padikkal on the bench. Additionally, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant could come in at No. 6, following Rohit Sharma in the order for the second Test in Adelaide.