Subhayan Chakraborty in Melbourne
The Team India think tank is seriously deliberating dropping Shubman Gill, with Rohit Sharma likely to return as an opener for the Boxing Day Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground starting on December 26.
If Gill is dropped, KL Rahul could bat at No. 3. Signs of a shake-up were visible during India’s nets session, where head coach Gautam Gambhir, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, captain Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah had a lengthy chat for around 45 minutes near the centre wicket at the ‘G’. Later, Gambhir, Rohit and Agarkar engaged in another 20-30 minute conversation in the nets area, while Bumrah focused on his bowling. It was during these discussions that thoughts over the playing XI were shared, with Gambhir closely inspecting the pitch multiple times.
While the think tank considers bringing Washington Sundar into the XI and moving Rohit back to open, either Gill or Nitish Kumar Reddy will lose their spot. The team management will make a final decision on the XI after assessing the pitch on the morning of the match.
Rohit hasn’t been at his best since shifting to No. 6 in the batting order, following Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 201-run partnership, which paved the way for India’s stellar win in the first Test in Perth. Rohit in the middle-order in Adelaide and Brisbane was unproductive. Meanwhile, Rahul, as an opener, has been solid, and there’s a belief within the team that he can adapt to any role in the batting order, considering his form and confidence. On Tuesday, Rahul spent a considerable amount of time facing Washington and Ravindra Jadeja at the nets, while Rohit practised against the new ball, leaving many deliveries outside the off stump, hinting he could return to opening.