Border Gavaskar Trophy: Batting at No.6 is the only solution for Rohit Sharma?

Former India selector Devang Gandhi has suggested that skipper Rohit Sharma should consider dropping to the number six position in the batting order for the second Australia vs India Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. The crucial da-night pink ball Test match is set to begin on Friday, December 6, at the Adelaide Oval. Gandhi's recommendation comes after Rohit batted in the middle order during the recent warm-up game against the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra. However, the Indian captain’s experiment was short-lived as he was dismissed cheaply for just three runs.

Will Rohit Sharma going down the order benefit the Indian cricket team?

During the opening India vs Australia Test in Perth, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal opened the innings in Rohit's absence due to paternity leave. The pair showcased an impressive partnership, contributing a match-winning 201-run stand in the second innings. Their sensational foundation provided at the top of the order proved instrumental in India’s commanding 295-run victory over Australia. During the warm-up fixture in Canberra, the Rahul-Jaiswal duo continued to open, allowing Rohit to bat at No. 4. This adjustment hinted at the possibility of further experimentation in the batting order for the upcoming Test. Gandhi believes a shift to No. 6 could enable Rohit to stabilize the middle order, particularly in high-pressure situations.

As the AUS vs IND second Test approaches, team management faces a critical decision regarding the batting lineup. With Rahul and Jaiswal forming a promising opening partnership and Rohit Sharma looking to provide depth and experience, India aims to solidify their advantage in the series. The outcome of these decisions could shape their path in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Devang Gandhi has proposed that Rohit Sharma should move down to the No. 6 position in the batting order, citing Rishabh Pant’s impressive performances at No. 5. With Virat Kohli set to return to the lineup at No. 4 after skipping the warm-up game against the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra, Gandhi believes this adjustment would create a more balanced and dynamic batting lineup.

One key advantage of this strategy, according to Gandhi, is maintaining the left-right combination throughout the innings. This approach can make it challenging for the opposition bowlers to settle into a rhythm. Gandhi also highlighted that while transitioning from the middle order to an opening role can be tricky, moving from the top of the order to the middle is generally less complicated for a player of Rohit’s caliber.

The suggested change would allow India to make the most of Rohit’s experience and adaptability in stabilizing the innings during high-pressure situations. Simultaneously, Pant’s aggressive style at No. 5 could provide the perfect momentum heading into the latter stages of the innings. As India prepares for the IND vs AUS second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the team management will weigh these suggestions carefully. The proposed batting order reshuffle could be crucial in their quest to maintain dominance in the series.

“In fact, I feel Rohit should come in at No. 6, because Rishabh Pant, too, has shaped up very well at 5...The left-right combo, too, can be maintained that way," Devang Gandhi told the Times of India.

“It becomes difficult if a middle-order batter tries to become an opener in the latter stages of his career. But it will not be difficult for an opener to go in the middle order, especially for Rohit, who started as a No. 6 batter for India," he added.

During India’s iconic 2018-19 tour of Australia, Rohit Sharma showcased his ability at No. 6 in the Test batting lineup, scoring 37, 1, 63*, and 5 in the matches played in Melbourne and Adelaide. Rohit began his Test career as a middle-order batter, where he often displayed flashes of brilliance. However, critics frequently pointed out his habit of losing his wicket after promising starts. Despite this, Rohit boasts an impressive record at No. 6, amassing 1,037 runs in 16 matches at an outstanding average of 54.57. His contributions from this position include three centuries and six half-centuries, highlighting his ability to perform under pressure and anchor the innings.

Rohit Sharma has struggled to find his form in Test cricket recently. In India’s last red-ball series at home against New Zealand, the Nagpur-born batter managed just 91 runs across six innings, reflecting an uncharacteristic dip in his performance. As the Border Gavaskar Trophy intensifies, Rohit will be eager to bounce back and silence critics with a commanding display against the formidable Australian side. Known for his ability to dominate bowlers across formats, the Indian captain will aim to rediscover his touch and make a significant impact in this high-stakes series.