India's captain Rohit Sharma is currently experiencing a challenging phase, with runs proving elusive for the 37-year-old batsman. He returned to his opening position during the first innings of the Melbourne Test against Australia but could only manage a mere three runs, failing to make a significant impact. This change in batting order resulted in KL Rahul being moved to the No. 3 position.

Ravi Shastri, the former head coach of Team India, believes that Rahul is best suited for the top order and should continue as an opener. In response to Shastri's comments, former Australian cricketer Mark Waugh suggested that if Rohit does not score in the remaining innings, it could signal the end of his Test career.

Rohit has been in a slump, accumulating just over 150 runs in his last 14 Test innings. He missed the Perth Test against Australia, during which Rahul was selected to open and performed admirably.

Upon his return for the Adelaide and Brisbane Tests, Rohit chose to bat at No. 6, but in Melbourne, he opened the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal.

"I believe KL Rahul should be positioned in the top order, specifically within the top three. That is where he truly belongs," stated Ravi Shastri during his commentary for Fox Sports.

Mark Waugh added, "I think he will be now, I think. Unless Rohit Sharma can deliver in the last three innings of this tour, his career may very well be in jeopardy."

Rohit's lean patch in Tests

Rohit Sharma has faced difficulties in scoring runs since the commencement of the home series against Bangladesh. The right-handed batsman struggled to regain his form during the five Test matches he participated in against Bangladesh and New Zealand.

In these encounters, he managed to secure only one half-century against New Zealand, which occurred in the second innings of the Test held in Bengaluru.

During the Adelaide and Brisbane Tests against Australia, Rohit batted in the No. 6 position. However, his lack of success in these matches may have prompted him to consider returning to the opening position, where he has historically performed best in Test cricket.

Commenting on Rohit's dismissal in the first innings of the Melbourne Test, Sunil Gavaskar remarked on Star Sports, “That is a shot he typically plays. The half-pull off the front foot. It seems he was uncertain whether to execute a proper pull shot or not, resulting in an attempt that resembled catching practice. This situation often arises when there is a gap in play, particularly at the age of 36 or 37, leading to a prolonged absence from the game.”

He further explained, "This is why we observe a lack of the expected footwork; as one ages, the body reacts more slowly. The mind remains sharp, but the body may not respond accordingly. If you are consistently playing at 37, there are no issues, as you are attuned to your bat speed and overall game. However, after a break, one must exercise caution and remain acutely aware."

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