BGT 2024-25: Rohit Sharma Announces Middle Order Batting, KL Rahul Set to Open in Adelaide Test
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Adelaide, Dec 5 (NationPress) As the stage is set for the day-night second Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval, captain Rohit Sharma has confirmed that he will take on a position in the middle order. The team will maintain its opening combination of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
During Rohit's absence due to paternity leave for the arrival of his second child in Mumbai, Rahul (77) and Jaiswal (161) forged a formidable partnership, accumulating 201 runs in the second innings, which paved the way for India's substantial 295-run victory in Perth. “KL will open (in Adelaide). His performance and the partnership with Jaiswal were pivotal in our first Test triumph,” remarked Rohit.
Rohit expressed that his decision to bat in the middle order was straightforward for the team, stating, “It wasn't an easy choice for me personally, but for the team's benefit, it was clear.” He noted Rahul's calm demeanor at the crease, having scored 26 off 74 balls in the first innings and demonstrated his capability as an opener in Perth. “I watched KL bat brilliantly from home with my newborn. There’s no reason to alter that setup now,” he added.
“In the future, circumstances may shift. But given KL Rahul's recent performances outside India, he rightfully deserves this spot at this moment. This strategy has yielded success in the first Test,” Rohit elaborated.
Discussing the significant partnership between Jaiswal and Rahul, he mentioned, “That one crucial partnership likely secured us the Test match. Achieving around 500 runs in a challenging venue like Perth is an impressive accomplishment.”
In the initial Test in Perth, the selection of Washington Sundar over seasoned spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja raised eyebrows, yet Sundar performed admirably. Rohit stated that both Ashwin and Jadeja will play vital roles throughout the five-match series, which India is currently leading 1-0.
“Washington has previously shown his worth in Australia, scoring vital runs and taking wickets. His injury was unfortunate. He is a dependable all-rounder, and the team gains confidence with his presence. I anticipate a positive trajectory for his career,” Rohit remarked.
“I wasn’t present to inform Ashwin and Jadeja about their non-selection in Perth. The management chose what they believed was the best team suited for that pitch. Both have been instrumental in India’s success in the past, and we will evaluate each pitch moving forward,” he concluded.
