Harbhajan Singh Questions Rohit Sharma’s Role in 2nd Test Against Australia

Published On: December 3, 2024 5:57 am

As an opener in 37 Test matches, Rohit Sharma has amassed 2685 runs at an average of 44.01, nine hundreds, with a highest score of 212.

One of the major doubts circulating in the lead-up to the match is where Rohit Sharma, India’s returning captain, will bat in the second Test match against Australia. Rohit’s longtime colleague, former spinner Harbhajan Singh, has stated that the 38-year-old must bat in the top four and that it would not be advantageous for India to return to the middle order for the pink-ball Test.

“I don’t think Rohit will be ranked number five or number six. Harbhajan told PTI on the sidelines of the World Tennis Cricket League’s launch here that Rohit will either bat no later than number three or start alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, with KL Rahul coming in at number three.

“The four pillars should be your top four batting order.”

Rahul and Jaiswal’s 201-run opening partnership in the second innings of the first Test match in Perth has raised the subject in particular. Shubman Gill would return to the No. 3 spot, while Devdutt Padikkal, who played there, is most likely to be benched for the second Test. Rahul will need to find a spot lower in the order because Virat Kohli occupies the fourth spot, leaving only the opening spot for Rohit to occupy.

Rohit’s number six wouldn’t be optimal for the squad. The four cornerstones of your batting order should be your top four, and having someone like Rohit at the top will just give it more vigor,” Harbhajan stated.

Prior to 2019, Rohit spent a significant portion of his Test career batting in the middle and lower middle order. Despite being regarded as one of the world’s top white-ball hitters, he had trouble securing a consistent berth in the whites for India at this time.

In the 2019 home Test series against South Africa, he made his debut as an opener for India and solidified his position at the top. In four innings, Rohit amassed 529 runs at an average of 132.25, including three hundreds. In his 37 Test matches as an opener, he has amassed 2685 runs at an average of 44.01, nine hundreds, and a highest score of 212.