Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has weighed in on the potential reshuffling of India’s batting order for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series, particularly if skipper Rohit Sharma is unavailable for the opening Test in Perth on November 22. With uncertainty surrounding Rohit's availability due to personal reasons, discussions regarding India's playing XI have gained momentum.
If Rohit is unable to take part in the match, it would create a significant void at the top of the order, where his experience and consistency are crucial. In light of this, Shastri has suggested that Shubman Gill, who normally bats at No. 3, could be promoted to open the batting alongside KL Rahul. Shastri highlighted that Gill has opened in Australia before and is capable of handling the challenging conditions expected in Perth, which is known for its bouncy pitches.
"That's a tough one, and the selectors have a choice. You can push Shubman (Gill) back up the order and he has opened in the past in Australia," Shastri said during a recent episode of ICC Review. He believes that, given the conditions in Perth, this move could provide India with the best possible solution, as it would maintain the balance and strength of the batting lineup.
Shastri's comments have sparked a broader conversation about the flexibility and adaptability required in India's squad, especially in the absence of key players like Rohit. As India prepares for the high-stakes Test series, the team management will need to carefully consider how to adjust the lineup while maintaining a competitive edge against Australia.
