A former India captain made a surprising choice to pair Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top of the batting order in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, in the absence of Rohit Sharma.

Rohit is reportedly expected to miss the series opener due to personal reasons, although the BCCI has not given any official confirmation.

In such a scenario, Anil Kumble has opined that the team management should opt to field dynamic right-hander KL Rahul at the top.

Kumble feels KL Rahul is the ideal candidate to step up in such a scenario and has backed Shubman Gill to excel at the No. 3 spot.

Echoing the same line, Kumbe said while speaking on JioCinema:

“I don’t want to change that. I know there is a temptation to put pressure on Shubman Gill because Rohit is not available in the first Test. But there is always KL Rahul, that name is synonymous with change and adaptation to what the team wants. Whether you want to open the batting or keep wickets, Rahul Dravid did it, now KL Rahul is doing it.”

Kumble reasons his decision to promote KL Rahul to open the innings

Kumble believes this lineup would preserve balance, as Gill has seamlessly transitioned into the one-down role. Gill’s significant experience as an opener includes his vital knock of 91 during India’s historic win in Brisbane in 2021.

Having made his debut as an opener in Melbourne in 2020, Gill opened for India in 17 Tests before moving to the No. 3 spot in 2023, demonstrating his flexibility in the top order.

Kumble highlighted that Gill’s batting approach contrasts with the more traditional styles of former No. 3 mainstays like Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara.

ALSO READ: Virat Kohli eyes massive record in IND vs NZ first Test; Only 53 flee from joining Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar

Kumble also suggested that India could benefit from Gill’s ability to adapt quickly to different playing situations. With the series expected to be fiercely contested, Gill’s dynamic batting and adaptability could give India the edge it needs in the challenging Australian conditions.

For more updates, follow Cricxtasy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Telegram and YouTube.