Harbhajan Singh Endorses Rohit Sharma To Bat In Top Three For Adelaide Test Against Australia

Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has shared his views on India's batting line-up for the second Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval. He believes Rohit Sharma should either open or bat at number three, dismissing any chance of him playing in the middle order during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Harbhajan stressed the significance of Rohit's position while speaking at the World Tennis Cricket League inauguration in New Delhi. "I don't see Rohit coming in at number five or six. Either Rohit will open with Yashasvi Jaiswal, with KL Rahul coming in at number three, or he will bat no later than number three," Harbhajan remarked.

The Indian top order excelled in the Perth Test, with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal achieving a record-breaking 201-run opening partnership. This performance set the stage for India's dominant 295-run win. Harbhajan highlighted that keeping stability at the top is essential for success.

"Your top four in the batting order should be the four pillars," Harbhajan said. "Someone like Rohit at the top would only add greater fillip. Number six for Rohit wouldn't be in the team's best interest."

The second Test, featuring a pink ball, starts on Friday in Adelaide. The day-night format brings unique challenges, and Harbhajan's insights suggest that India aims to keep its best batters among the top three to face Australia's strong pace attack under lights.

Washington Sundar vs Ashwin Debate

Harbhajan also commented on India's decision to play Washington Sundar over experienced spinners R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in Perth. "Washington showed during the New Zealand series that he is ready to take over the mantle from Ashwin in coming days," he noted.

When questioned about Ashwin's age being a factor, Harbhajan dismissed concerns about him being too old for international cricket at 38. "He is not 58. But after so many years, the shoulders do experience fatigue, so the zip can just be a bit less," he explained.

Dhruv Jurel should get preference over Shubman Gill

Discussing Shubman Gill's return and Team India's middle-order combination with Sports Tak, Harbhajan suggested Gill should wait as Dhruv Jurel deserves his spot. "I believe the opening line-up shouldn't be tampered with and Rohit should bat at No.3 and in that case, Gill should wait. You have brought Dhruv Jurel into the side for middle-order and he should get a preference," Harbhajan added.