The Indian cricketer KL Rahul was going through a lean phase but he displayed a strong comeback during India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener against Australia in Perth. The 32 years old opened the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in both the innings and delivered a positive impact. While he scored a modest 26 runs off 74 balls in the first innings, his second innings saw a determined 77-run knock off 176 balls. Yashasvi Jaiswal, after a first-innings duck, redeemed himself with a stunning century, scoring 161 runs off 297 deliveries. The star batter Virat Kohli also shined with an unbeaten 100 off 143 balls in the second innings.
KL Rahul opened in place of Rohit Sharma, who missed the first Test due to paternity leave. However, with Rohit Sharma expected to return for the second Test, a selection dilemma has emerged for the head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management. KL Rahul, typically a middle-order batter in Tests, has struggled for consistency in recent times. However, his performance as an opener showcased a solid and adaptable approach.
The senior Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara appeared on a sports show and while talking about the team formation, he suggested a new role for Rahul if Rohit resumes his opening spot. Firstly, Cheteshwar Pujara said that he will prefer the Indian team to go with the same opening pair of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma should come at number 3 and Shubman Gill should come at number 5.
However, he added that if Rohit Sharma wants to open, KL Rahul should come at number 3 and not later than that because batting at top order suits him and his position should not be changed.
Shubman Gill, who missed the first Test due to injury, is expected to return. Cheteshwar Pujara proposed Gill plays at No. 5, saying that even if India loses two early wickets, Shubman Gill can handle new ball and by coming a little late, he can also play his natural attacking game.
India’s bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana and Washington Sundar, dominated the first Test. Pujara praised Sundar’s contributions, highlighting his dual value as a bowler and lower-order batter.
The second Test will begin on December 6 in Adelaide. With Rohit’s return, India aims to extend their lead in the series. The team faces critical decisions on the batting order and balance as they prepare for the next challenge.
