As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series stands evenly poised at 1-1, Team India is set to implement significant changes to their batting lineup for the pivotal Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Captain Rohit Sharma is expected to return to his familiar opening position, a move aimed at reinforcing the top order and providing stability against Australia’s formidable bowling attack.
In the initial Tests of the series, Rohit Sharma batted in the middle order, specifically at the No. 6 spot, to accommodate the successful opening partnership of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, this adjustment did not yield the desired results for Sharma, who managed only 10 runs across three innings. Acknowledging the need for a more impactful presence at the top, the team management has decided to reinstate Sharma as an opener.
With Rohit Sharma resuming his role at the top, KL Rahul is anticipated to move to the No. 3 position. This shift raises questions about the placement of Shubman Gill, who may either slot into the middle order or be replaced by another batsman, such as Dhruv Jurel. The final decision on the batting lineup is expected to be strategic, considering the conditions at the MCG and the strengths of the Australian bowling unit.
The Indian team’s top order has faced challenges throughout the series, with inconsistent starts putting pressure on the middle and lower-order batsmen. The decision to have Rohit Sharma open is aimed at leveraging his experience and proficiency in providing solid starts, which are crucial in setting a competitive foundation. Rohit Sharma’s track record as an opener has been impressive since his elevation to the role in 2019, and the team is optimistic that his return to the top will reinvigorate the batting lineup.
The Boxing Day Test holds significant importance for both teams. A victory for India would secure at least a series draw , it depends on Rohit, allowing them to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Conversely, Australia will be determined to capitalize on their home advantage to gain an upper hand in the series. The match is also critical in the context of the World Test Championship standings, adding further stakes to the encountered.