The former head of the Indian selection committee, MSK Prasad reckons that Rohit Sharma will be coming back to the playing XI for the Sydney Test only after dropping either Mayank Agarwal, who has struggled so far, or Hanuma Vihari. Rohit has completed his quarantine period on Tuesday following which he will be allowed to train with the rest of the squad in Melbourne.

With 8 more days to go for the 3rd Test, Rohit may have adequate time to get back into the groove and be back in competition for the opener’s role. India opened with Mayank Agarwal and Shubman Gill in Boxing Day Test. While the debutant showed his character with two gritty knocks, Mayank was struggling to put bat to ball.

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With Prithvi Shaw not impressing in the Adelaide Test, Rohit is likely to return to the playing XI if he is deemed fit. Though Rohit opened for the first time in his tenure, MSK Prasad is not sure if the veteran opener will prefer to open due to lack of match practice.

During a recent chat with PTI, MSK Prasad said, “It will be a toss-up between Mayank and Vihari. Dropping Mayank will be a tough call since he has scored hundreds and double hundreds over the last 18 months. I am still not sure about Rohit’s opening because he is coming after a long break. Will he prefer to open or bat in the middle order? That is another question.”

He furher added, “And what kind of role the team management is expecting from Rohit. That is also a factor. Whether they want Rohit to give the team a flying start or anchor the innings in the middle?” 

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After India’s thumping win in the Boxing Day Test, the four-match series is level at 1-1. The Sydney Cricket Ground will be hosting the 3rd Test, starting January 7.