Dodda Ganesh Issues Stark Warning Against Rohit Sharma Opening at Gabba
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New Delhi, Dec 9 (NationPress) Former fast bowler Dodda Ganesh has emphatically advised the Indian team management to reconsider the notion of having captain Rohit Sharma open the batting in the vital third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series at the Gabba, characterizing it as a hazardous move given Rohit's present form and the challenging environment in Brisbane.
Ganesh's caution arises amid increasing discussions regarding India's batting lineup following their difficulties in the initial two Tests of the series. India was dismissed for 150 in their first innings of the first Test at Perth and then for 180 in Adelaide. Although they bounced back to win the Perth Test by 295 runs thanks to centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli, the performance in Adelaide was far from commendable, leading to a disheartening 10-wicket loss in just three days.
With some chatter about Rohit Sharma, who was absent for the first Test and played in the second to let K.L Rahul open the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in Adelaide, returning to the opening spot, Ganesh took to social media to voice his apprehensions.
“Rohit Sharma is currently lacking in confidence and runs. The suggestion for him to open at the Gabba is, quite frankly, reckless. The series is not being held in the sub-continent where he can freely play his shots and score runs. It would be akin to sending him like a lamb to the slaughterhouse if he opens,” Ganesh remarked on X.
The former fast bowler emphasized that Rohit's existing lack of confidence, combined with the unique challenges posed by Australian conditions, could lead to further difficulties for the Indian captain.
Rohit Sharma's performance in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) nations has been a topic of discussion throughout his career. In 46 innings across these demanding conditions, Rohit has an average of below 30, which starkly contrasts with his dominance in the sub-continent.
While the Hitman has enjoyed success as an opener on limited occasions, his average of 37.8 in SENA countries as an opener is skewed by his remarkable displays during the 2021 series in England. His career-defining innings of 127 at The Oval remains a highlight, stemming from technical changes to counter swing and seam.
However, the Gabba presents an entirely different set of challenges. The pace and bounce of the Brisbane pitch, coupled with a top-tier Australian bowling attack led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, necessitate precise footwork, sound judgment, and the capability to manage steep bounce. A slight error in technique could lead to significant trouble against such a formidable team.
Rohit's recent performance has only intensified the uncertainty. The Indian captain missed the first Test due to paternity leave and managed scores of only 3 and 6 in the pink-ball Test upon his return. His hesitant displays at No. 5 have raised doubts about his confidence, making the proposition of returning him to his original position at the top of the order even more complicated.
