RAHUL TO OPEN INNINGS

PINK BALL TEST | Rohit to bat in middle order as India look to consolidate on advantage

Rohit Sharma will take a step back to lead from the front as India look for the perfect combination to drive home the advantage against a wounded but famously resilient Australia in the day/night Test starting here on Friday.

Rohit, returning to the side from a brief paternity break, has taken the tough call of pushing himself down the order to accommodate K L Rahul at the top alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Both Rahul and Jaiswal excelled in Perth and had a big part in India’s biggest overseas win.

“He (Rahul) will open the innings. I will play somewhere in the middle,” Rohit told Reporters.

Shubman Gill has recovered from a thumb injury and will be back in the side alongside Rohit.

The resourceful side would be happy to have the headache of having to shuffle the side than being under-strength, which was the case when they last toured and beat all expectations to come out trumps.

Ahead of the second Test, Rohit said he decided to change his batting position keeping the team’s interests in mind.

“We want result, we want success. Those two guys at the top they batted brilliantly in Perth. I was watching from home. Rahul was brilliant to watch. He deserves that place at this point in time.