Cheteshwar Pujara has weighed in on India's opening combination for the second Test against Australia in Adelaide, urging the team management to retain KL Rahul in the opening slot despite the return of skipper Rohit Sharma. With India coming off a dominant 295-run win in the series opener at Perth, Pujara believes that any changes to the batting order might disrupt the momentum and stability achieved by the team in the first match.
KL Rahul was moved to the top of the order for the first Test after Rohit Sharma was unavailable due to personal reasons. Rahul made an impression in his new role, scoring 26 in the first innings and 77 in the second. Alongside him, young Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a memorable century, which further strengthened the opening partnership. While Pujara acknowledged Rohit’s importance to the team, he emphasized that the opening combination should ideally remain unchanged following the success in Perth.
In a conversation with ESPNcricinfo, Pujara suggested a possible solution: "I think, for some reason, if we can carry on with the same batting order, like KL and Yashasvi to open, Rohit could come in at three, and Shubman could come in at five." This would allow Rahul to continue in the position he has made his own in the first Test, while Rohit could slot into No. 3 and Shubman Gill, who is expected to return from injury, could be accommodated at No. 5.
Pujara’s reasoning behind this was simple – the top order should remain stable, especially after a dominant performance in the first Test. He also pointed out that Rahul’s game is best suited to the top of the order, and if Rohit were to open, Rahul should bat at No. 3. “If Rohit wants to open, KL should bat at No. 3. Nothing later than that,” Pujara emphasized. “I think he has to bat top of the order, because it suits his game really well.”
Pujara, who has been a key figure in India’s previous tours to Australia, also discussed the role of Shubman Gill in the middle order. Gill, who missed the first Test due to a thumb injury, is expected to feature in the second Test after being seen batting in the nets in Canberra. Pujara suggested that Gill would be best suited to bat at No. 5, as this would allow him to play his natural game. "Ideally No. 5 for Gill," Pujara said. "Because it allows him to come in at a time when, even if we lose two wickets early, he is someone who can negotiate the new ball. But if he walks in after, say, 25 or 30 overs, he can play his shots."
Pujara also highlighted the importance of protecting players like Rishabh Pant from facing the new ball, suggesting that Gill could be the ideal batter to play the role of stabilizer in case of early wickets. "If we lose the first three wickets early, Gill walks in and saves Rishabh Pant for the old ball," Pujara explained. "Pant doesn’t have to face the new ball. I wouldn't want him to walk in to bat when the ball is hard and new."
As for Rohit Sharma, he has rejoined the Indian squad after missing the first Test, and is available for the remainder of the series. He linked up with the team in Perth, and along with the rest of the squad, will participate in a two-day pink-ball warm-up match against the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra from November 30 to December 1. This match will give India’s key players, including Rohit, an opportunity to adjust to the conditions ahead of the Adelaide Test, which will be played under lights.
If fit, Shubman Gill is expected to return to the playing XI in the second Test, and with the return of both Rohit and Gill, there are likely to be some changes to the team. Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel are expected to make way for the returning duo of Rohit and Gill. This provides India with more flexibility in their batting order, but Pujara’s suggestion to retain Rahul at the top is based on his belief that stability is key.
As the team prepares for the day-night Test in Adelaide, Pujara’s comments underline the importance of maintaining a settled and strong top order, with an emphasis on the mental and technical needs of each player in their respective positions. India will hope that the adjustments made in the first Test are maintained, while the returning players add strength and depth to an already confident team.
