The Adelaide Test Looms: India’s Opening Pair Revealed
India is set to take on Australia in the second match of the five-Test series, with the match commencing on December 6 at the historic Adelaide ground. The encounter will be a pink ball test, played in a day-night format. As the match draws near, the Indian team’s captain, Rohit Sharma, has made a significant announcement regarding the team’s opening pair.
A Familiar Opening Duo
Rohit Sharma has confirmed that KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal will once again open for India in the upcoming test. The pair had a remarkable outing in the first match of the Gavaskar Trophy, laying the foundation for India’s victory with a record-breaking partnership of over 200 runs in the second innings.
A Middle Order Role for Rohit Sharma
With Rohit Sharma returning as captain, there was speculation about who would open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, Sharma has put the debate to rest, stating that KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s partnership was match-winning, and there is no need for any changes. Rohit Sharma will bat in the middle order, a move that will see him play at number 5 or 6.
A Break from Tradition
Rohit Sharma’s decision to bat in the middle order marks a departure from his usual role as an opener. Sharma last played in the middle order in a test match in 2018, and his return to this role comes after 2172 days. This change may help the team, as Rohit will come in to bat when the shine of the pink ball has reduced.
Praise for Young Players
Rohit Sharma also heaped praise on India’s young players, saying they are focused on winning matches. He appreciated the mindset of players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and Shubman Gill, who are driven to win.