Cheteshwar Pujara Advocates For KL Rahul To Maintain Opening Position Despite Rohit Sharma's Return

Cheteshwar Pujara is optimistic about KL Rahul keeping his spot as an opener with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the second Test against Australia in Adelaide. This comes despite Rohit Sharma's return to the team. In the first Test in Perth, Rohit's absence allowed Rahul to move up from the middle order, where he performed well alongside Jaiswal, who scored a century.

Rohit Sharma joined the Indian squad during the Perth Test and is set to play in the remaining matches after missing the first one due to personal reasons. Before the second Test in Adelaide, India will participate in a two-day pink-ball warm-up game against Prime Minister's XI at Manuka Oval from November 30 to December 1.

Pujara, known for his solid performances on previous tours of Australia, believes that the opening pair should remain unchanged after their 295-run victory in Perth. He suggested that if possible, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal should continue as openers, with Rohit coming in at number three and Shubman Gill at number five.

"I think, for some reason if we can carry on with the same batting order, like KL and Yashasvi to open, Rohit could come in at three, and Shubman could come in at five," Pujara said in a chat with ESPNcricinfo.

Pujara also mentioned that if Rohit prefers opening, then Rahul should bat at number three. He emphasised that Rahul should not bat lower than this position as it suits his style of play. "If Rohit wants to open, KL should bat at No. 3. Nothing later than that. I think he has to bat top of the order because it suits his game really well," Pujara added.

Shubman Gill missed the first Test due to a thumb injury but is expected to be fit for the day-night Test starting December 6. He was seen practising in the nets on November 29. If Gill is fit for selection, Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel are likely to make way for him and Rohit Sharma.

Strategic Considerations

Pujara believes Gill should ideally bat at number five as it allows him to face older balls rather than new ones. "Ideally No. 5 (for Gill). Because it allows him to come in at a time, even if we lose two wickets early, he is someone who can negotiate the new ball," Pujara explained.

He further stated that having Gill walk in later would protect Rishabh Pant from facing new balls early on. "And in case we lose the first three wickets early, Gill walks in and saves Rishabh Pant for the old ball," Pujara said.

The upcoming matches are crucial for India as they aim to maintain their momentum against Australia. The team's strategy regarding player positions will be vital for their success in Adelaide and beyond.