Former Indian cricketer and well-known commentator Sanjay Manjrekar feels that Rohit Sharma is unlikely to open for India in the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25). Rohit has returned to the squad after missing the first Test due to the birth of his second child, but Manjrekar feels the Indian team management will persist with the opening combination of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Rohit’s nonavailability in the first Test forced the Rahul-Jaiswal combination, which paid off in the second innings, as they made history when they became the first Indian team to post a 200-run opening stand on Australian soil. Their 201-run opening stand laid a solid foundation from which India went on to set up a massive target of 534 runs and eventually win comfortably by 295 runs.
Sanjay Manjrekar told ESPNcricinfo that Rohit’s batting at No. 4 in a practice match with the Australian Prime Minister’s XI might be an indication of his role in the next match.
ALSO READ: Sunil Gavaskar Questions Josh Hazlewood’s Omission: Alleged Internal Turmoil In Australian Team
“It appears like the team management considers continuity as well as form important. What Rahul and Jaiswal have produced after such a long gap makes it hard to think beyond the partnership.” It’s common sense to continue with the pair that has delivered such impactful results,” Sanjay Manjrekar said.
The Rahul-Jaiswal duo’s success has created an interesting conundrum for the team management. Rohit Sharma and Jaiswal have been a prolific opening pair in recent Tests, but Rahul’s adaptability and big-game temperament make a compelling case for his retention at the top.
Rohit Sharma, who will resume captaincy in the second Test at Adelaide Oval, might volunteer to bat lower down the order, showcasing his flexibility as a leader. As the pink-ball Test looms, the Indian skipper’s decision will be crucial to maintaining the team’s momentum.
India leads the five-match Test series 1-0 and will look to consolidate their position with the lights on in Adelaide on December 6. Having conditions favouring the bowlers, the continuity of Rahul’s partnership with Jaiswal and Rohit’s presence as a middle-order bat may become the perfect blend of stability and aggression for India.
