As India prepare for the third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia, Rohit Sharma’s role in the batting line-up has become a hotly debated topic.
After a disappointing performance in Adelaide, where he managed just 3 and 6 in the Day-Night Test, questions were raised about whether the Indian captain should return to his starting position.
Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar have already tipped Rohit Sharma, who batted lower in the Adelaide Test, to reclaim the opener’s spot, suggesting KL Rahul in the middle class. However, Rahul gave a compositional performance in the Perth Test but failed in the Day-Night Test in Adelaide.
Dodda Ganesh warns of Rohit Sharma’s opening in Gabba Test
While some support his idea Rohit Sharma returning as captain, former Indian cricketer and commentator Dodda Ganesh has raised concerns. Ganesh cautioned against exposing the 37-year-old to Australia’s potent pace attack at the top given his current lack of confidence and form.
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Dodda Ganesh believes the Indian cricket team should stick to the opening combination of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal for the third Test of the ongoing five-match Test series against Australia, starting on December 15 at The Gabba.
Ahead of the Gabba Test, the commentator described the call for Rohit’s return as India’s game as “stupid” and mentioned that it will not be easy for the Indian skipper to get runs in Australian conditions, which are different from the sub-continent where the Hitman can score even if he’s not at his best.
He will be a lamb to the slaughter if Rohit opens: Dodda Ganesh
Ganesh added that the story is different in Australia as Rohit is already struggling with the bat, so he will be a lamb to the slaughter if the skipper opens in Brisbane.
Dodda Ganesh posted on X: “Rohit Sharma is already lacking in confidence and running. Pundits urging him to open at the Gabba is foolish to say the least. The series is not played in the subcontinent where he can throw his bat and get some runs. Will be a lamb to the slaughter if #AUSvIND opens.”
Rohit Sharma is already lacking in confidence and running. Pundits urging him to open at the Gabba is foolish to say the least. The series is not played in the subcontinent where he can throw his bat and get some runs. He will be a lamb to the slaughter if he opens #AUSWIND
— Doda Ganesh Big Ganesh (@doddaganesha) December 9, 2024
Meanwhile, Rohit has endured a difficult Test season, managing just 142 runs in 12 innings since September at a disappointing average of 11.83. This poor run has raised questions about his place in the squad for the crucial Gabba Test.
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Game plan B: Kerry O’Keeffe must be considered
Former Australian cricketer Kerry O’Keeffe has suggested the Indian team management to consider a “plan B”, hinting at the possibility of leaving Rohit out of the squad. At 37, playing against Australia’s relentless pace attack is a tough challenge and O’Keeffe wondered if Rohit could turn things around in the remaining three BGT matches.
Kerry O’Keeffe told Fox Sports: “I think they’ll pick and stick with India, although I think there needs to be some consideration in changing the squad. But they won’t. It’s hard to come here at the age of 37. Rohit has averaged 13 in his last five Test matches (and has) a double failure in Adelaide.
You could count on one hand the number of 37-plus year-olds who have reached it Australia and had a significant effect on the series. Can Rohit Sharma do that in the remaining few Tests? This question has to be asked. He is the governor. I think he will stay, but I think game plan B needs to be considered. This Australian pace attack is relentless. They’re not going anywhere. Is it Rohit Sharma?’
