In an interesting move during the game between the Prime Minister’s XI and India, Rohit Sharma did not open for India in the second innings. Instead, India persisted with the same options that opened up in the first Test in Perth last week.

KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal opened the innings in Canberra, indicating what to expect in the Adelaide Test next week. Indian captain Rohit Sharma did not play the first Test in Perth due to the birth of his second child, and KL opened in his absence, while Dhruv Jurel took the No. 6 spot.

However, with the return of Rohit and Shubman Gill, India have to change several batting positions. While Gill will be a direct swap with Devdutt Padikkal at No. 3, the conundrum remains at the top and in the middle.

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With Rohit not opening the innings, it seems confirmed that he could look to bat at number 5, with Rishabh Pant moving one position below and slotting in at number 6. When the team sheet was released in the morning, Rohit’s name figured in the number 5 spot, which could be his position in this match, as well as in Adelaide in the day-night Test.

Rohit Sharma at number 5 will keep the top spot intact

It will maintain continuity if India continue to open with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, followed by Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli. Rahul did nothing wrong by batting in a new position again, while Gill is finding his place as the No. 3 batsman.

He has done well in testing this year and seemed to have cracked the code in his preferred position. If Rohit opened the innings, India would have to move one of Rahul or Gill down, which would have undone all the hard work put in to maintain stability in the batting order.

On the other hand, Rohit moving to number 5 will not make much difference, as only Rishabh is shuffling one position below. Pant has played quite a bit at number 6 and will acclimatise easily.

That would mean Dhruv Jurel, who batted at No. 6 in the previous game, will have to miss out, even though he did nothing wrong. Unfortunately, India do not have a place for him in the XI for now.

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