Following a disappointing performance in Adelaide, which compounded Rohit Sharma's struggles in Test cricket, cricket icons Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar were quick to recommend that the Indian captain revert to his original position in the batting order for the upcoming third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. In contrast, former Indian cricketer Dodda Ganesh dismissed this suggestion, expressing significant concerns regarding Rohit's current form.

With KL Rahul having made a strong impression as an opener in the first Test in Perth—an encounter Rohit missed due to the birth of his second child—the team management opted to maintain the existing top-order lineup. This decision resulted in Rohit taking on middle-order responsibilities in the second Test for the first time in six years. While Rahul excelled as an opener, rediscovering his form, Rohit struggled, managing scores of just 3 and 6 in the pink ball Test.

Rohit's lackluster performance, which contributed to a 10-wicket defeat against Australia, prompted both Shastri and Gavaskar to advocate for his return to the opening position in the third Test in Brisbane, suggesting that Rahul should bat at No. 6 instead.

However, Ganesh cautioned India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir against what he termed “foolhardy” advice, arguing that it would be a significant error for the Indian team to have Rohit, who is “already short of confidence,” return to the opening slot given his recent struggles with the bat.

“Rohit Sharma is already short of confidence and runs. Experts urging him to open at Gabba is foolhardy to say the least. The series is not being played in the sub-continent where he can throw his bat and get some runs. It will be lamb to the slaughterhouse if he opens #AUSvIND,” he tweeted.

Rohit Sharma's declining form

Since the commencement of India's Test season in September of this year, Rohit Sharma has managed to accumulate only 142 runs across 12 innings, resulting in an average of 11.83. This total includes just a single half-century, while he has frequently struggled to exceed a score of 25 in the remaining innings.

The captain's disappointing performance has prompted former Australian cricketer Kerry O'Keeffe to suggest that the team management might need to contemplate a "plan B," alluding to the possibility of excluding Rohit from the playing XI for the upcoming Test at the Gabba.

“I believe they will maintain their current selection, although I think it is important to consider altering the team. However, I doubt they will,” O’Keeffe remarked to Fox Sports.

“It is quite challenging to come here at the age of 37. Rohit has averaged just 13 in his last five Test matches and experienced a double failure in Adelaide. The number of 37-year-olds who have made a significant impact in Australia can be counted on one hand. Younis Khan from Pakistan and Jacques Kallis from South Africa are notable examples, both of whom averaged over 50.

“Can Rohit Sharma achieve similar success in the few remaining Tests? That is a pertinent question. As the captain, I believe he will remain in the team, but it is essential to consider an alternative strategy. This Australian pace attack is unyielding and will not relent. Is Rohit Sharma up to the challenge?”

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