Where should Rohit Sharma bat in the Adelaide Test? Ravi Shastri weighs in

Rohit, who missed the first Test to be with his family for the birth of his second child, will return to the captain the side in the Adelaide Test, beginning on Friday (6 December).

Shastri, speaking on the ICC Review, emphasised the importance of Rohit’s experience, believing it could be a game-changer for India as they look to go two-up against an Australian team determined to level the series.

“It’s a fantastic boost because there’s no doubting his quality,” Shastri said. “He’s very experienced. You need that experience in the middle order.”

Rohit began his Test career in the middle order before transitioning to the opening role. In 41 innings at No.5 or lower, he has amassed 1,474 runs at an average of 43.35, including nine half-centuries and three centuries.

While his standout performances have come at home, where he averages a remarkable 96.12 in the middle order, his record in Australia is more modest, with 187 runs in seven innings at 26.71. This includes a crucial half-century in Melbourne during the 2018/19 series.

However, Shastri backed him to deliver against Australia. “It’s the right mix of experience and youth in the setup, so whether he opens the batting or goes in the middle order, the choice is his,” Shastri said.

“He’s experienced enough to see where he’s most dangerous when it comes to Australia. Where would Australia not like to see him? That’s the position he should choose. And he’s the leader of the pack, so he can afford to do that.”

Shastri also suggested KL Rahul’s good form – he stepped up with a crucial 77 in the second innings in Perth – is another reason why Rohit should bat down the order.

“I think he (Rahul) should carry on (opening) because Rohit has not had much time since he’s come here (Australia),” Shastri said.

“Very quickly he had to play that Prime Minister’s XI game. But I would say carry on with the same setup. He [Rohit] can bat at five or six.”

India has also been bolstered by the return to fitness of Shubman Gill, who missed the Perth Test with a thumb injury. It presents India with a selection dilemma, but Shastri said it made their batting line-up one of the most formidable in recent history.

Gill was an integral part of India’s success Down Under in the 2020/21 tour, and has racked up 879 runs in 24 innings in the current cycle of the ICC World Test Championship.

“The fact that Shubman Gill is fit as well makes it a very strong Indian side,” Shastri said.

“I would say in the last 10-15 years, of all the sides that have come out to Australia, you get the feeling that this is one of the strongest batting line-ups simply because of the experience.

“You have Shubman fit, bats at three. Rohit’s fit, he comes back and plays instead of (Devdutt) Padikkal and (Dhruv) Jurel.

“But the bowling, I won't touch. I'll keep it the same because you'd rather have the same line-up.”

Shastri spoke highly of the potential impact of Akash Deep, pointing out how the pink ball could suit his bowling style.

“Only thing that you must remember, this is a pink-ball Test,” he said.

“I know Harshit Rana did very well in that Test match, but the pink ball with extra lacquer, it's a little harder, might seam around a bit and swing. [That’s] where I think Akash Deep should be in the mix.

“Now when you reach the ground, you see the conditions, [whether] you opt for extra bounce and pace, that’s your choice. But I’d definitely keep him in that 12 and keep an eye on him.”

The second Test at the Adelaide Oval begins on Friday, December 6, with India currently sitting atop the ICC World Test Championship standings.