NEW DELHI: India’s captain Rohit Sharma confirmed that he will bat in the middle order during the second Test against Australia, starting Friday at the Adelaide Oval. The day-night match will see KL Rahul continuing as Yashasvi Jaiswal’s opening partner after the duo’s impressive performance in the first Test in Perth.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Rohit, who missed the series opener due to paternity leave, returns to a team bolstered by a 295-run victory in Perth. Rahul seized his opportunity at the top of the order, scoring 26 and 77, while forming a 201-run stand with centurion Jaiswal in the second innings.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Rohit explained the decision: “KL will open the batting, and I’ll bat somewhere in the middle. Those two at the top batted brilliantly, and it’s important to keep that momentum going. It’s not an easy change for me, but it’s what’s best for the team.”
India vs Australia: Unleash Rohit Sharma in middle order
Rohit Sharma’s middle-order record
Rohit made his Test debut as a middle-order batter in 2013, scoring a memorable 177 against the West Indies at Eden Gardens. For the first six years of his career, he primarily batted at No. 5 and No. 6, where he scored 1,585 runs in 27 matches at an average of 39.62, including three centuries.
His transition to opening in 2019 brought significant success, with Rohit scoring 2,685 runs at an average of 44.01 in 37 matches as an opener, including nine of his 12 Test centuries.
Returning to the middle order after five years, Rohit aims to bring stability and depth to India’s lineup, which will be crucial in the pink-ball Test.
India vs Australia: Rohit Sharma in the middle order: Why it makes long term sense
Adelaide pitch and match context
The Adelaide Oval pitch is expected to offer assistance to both pacers and spinners. India will be keen to capitalize on their 1-0 lead in the five-match Border-Gavaskar series, with Australia looking to bounce back after their heavy defeat in Perth.
Rohit’s adaptability and leadership will be tested under the lights as India chase another historic win at Adelaide, where they were infamously bowled out for just 36 runs four years ago.
