Ponting: Rohit Should Reassume Opening Role for Brisbane Test
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New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting asserts that Rohit Sharma, the captain of India, needs to revert to his standard opening slot for the upcoming third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, which is set to begin in Brisbane on December 14.
During the second Test held at the Adelaide Oval, Rohit opted to bat at number six to maintain the established partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, who had combined for a remarkable 201-run opening stand that led India to a 295-run victory in Perth.
However, in the recent ten-wicket loss to Australia at Adelaide, Rohit managed only nine runs across two innings while batting at number six, resulting in the series being leveled at 1-1 by the Pat Cummins-led squad.
“I believe that if (Rohit) Sharma is returning to the team, he should immediately take his place back at the top and open the batting. That’s my perspective. While I acknowledge that KL and Jaiswal had a superb 200-run partnership in Perth, he’s (Rohit) your captain,” said Ponting.
“As one of your most seasoned players, it’s essential to send him out in his typical role at the top. This is something they might consider—possibly moving Rohit back to open in Brisbane,” Ponting remarked during the ICC Review show.
In his last dozen Test innings, Rohit has accumulated only 142 runs, averaging 11.83. Ponting mentioned that if he were part of the Indian team, he would explore ways to help Rohit feel at ease with scoring runs as an opener before the crucial Brisbane Test.
“You instinctively know whether you’re scoring runs or not, and whether you’re batting well or not. It’s something you’re aware of deep down. Rohit had a lengthy break prior to that Test match, and the pitch wasn’t the easiest to bat on, which must be acknowledged. Most players faced difficulties in scoring runs on that surface,” he added.
“Whether ‘worried’ is the right term, there might just be concern or a slight anxiety about making runs the next time he bats. However, if I were in India’s position, I would strive to create a comfortable environment for him,” he concluded.
“Having opened the batting for a considerable time, I would reinstate him at the top and look for a spot lower down the order for KL (Rahul). That’s the approach I would take, as I believe that’s what Rohit would prefer,” he finished.
