Ravi Shastri, the former head coach of India, expressed his support on Wednesday for Rohit Sharma to take on middle-order batting responsibilities for the first time in six years during the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Adelaide. He suggested that KL Rahul should keep his spot as an opener alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Rohit missed the first Test in Perth last week due to the arrival of his second child. Now, at 37, he’s ready to step back into his role as captain at the Adelaide Oval for the pink ball Test starting Friday. There’s been a lot of chatter about where Rohit should bat. While many think he should return to the opening slot, KL Rahul, who filled in for him in Perth and scored a solid 77 in a record 201-run opening partnership, has led some to believe that Rohit should slide down the order to maintain the current opening duo.

Shastri, during the ICC Review, mentioned that Rohit, with his experience, should take the No. 5 spot for India. He pointed out that this would catch Australia off guard when Rohit makes his comeback.

“It’s a solid blend of seasoned players and fresh talent in the team, so whether he starts as an opener or slots into the middle order, it’s totally up to him,” Shastri noted.

“He knows well where he poses the biggest threat to Australia. Think about it—where wouldn’t they want to see him? That’s the spot he should pick. Plus, as the team leader, he has the freedom to make that call.”

Rohit knows a thing or two about batting in the middle order since he kicked off his international journey lower down the lineup. In Test matches, he’s had 41 innings batting at No. 5 or lower, racking up 1474 runs at an average of 43.45, including nine fifties and three centuries. The last time he batted outside the top two was during the 2018/19 tour of Australia, where he made a vital half-century in Melbourne.

Shastri backs Rahul for opening and Gill at number three.

The legendary all-rounder mentioned that Rahul getting into his rhythm as an opener—scoring 77 in the second innings in Perth and an unbeaten 27 in the pink-ball warm-up in Canberra—is another reason for Rohit to move to the middle order.

“I believe he (Rahul) should keep opening because Rohit hasn’t had much time since arriving in Australia,” Shastri stated.

“He had to jump straight into that Prime Minister’s XI match. So, I’d suggest sticking with the current setup. Rohit can bat at five or six.”

Rohit is back, and so is Shubman Gill, who missed the first match due to a thumb injury. His return adds another layer to India's lineup in Adelaide, and Shastri believes it makes their batting order one of the toughest around lately.

“Having Shubman fit really strengthens the Indian team,” Shastri mentioned.

“In the last decade or so, I feel this is one of the most powerful batting line-ups we've seen from India in Australia, mainly because of their experience.

“With Shubman back at number three and Rohit returning to replace Padikkal and Jurel, it looks solid.

“As for the bowling, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’d stick with the same group.”

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