Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has supported KL Rahul to open the batting for India in the second Test match against Australia in Adelaide. Rahul had churned out an eye-catching performance in the first Test while opening the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. He scored 26 and 77 across both innings to make major contributions in team’s 295-run victory.
But, now with the return of Rohit Sharma for the second Test, which is by the way a pink-ball contest, the suspense is growing as to who will open the innings for India. KL Rahul, meanwhile, looked comfortable while negotiating Australian bowlers amid challenging conditions in Perth.
"I think he (Rahul) should carry on (opening) because Rohit has not had much time since he's come here (Australia)," Shastri said on the ICC Review.
"Very quickly he had to play that Prime Minister's XI game. But I would say carry on with the same setup. He [Rohit] can bat at five or six," he added.
Young batter Shubman Gill will also return to action after missing the first Test due to an injury.
"The fact that Shubman Gill is fit as well makes it a very strong Indian side. I would say in the last 10-15 years, of all the sides that have come out to Australia, you get the feeling that this is one of the strongest batting line-ups simply because of the experience. You have Shubman fit and bats at three. Rohit's fit, he comes back and plays instead of (Devdutt) Padikkal and (Dhruv) Jurel," he added.
Speaking on Rohit Sharma, Shastri said he should play a crucial role in the team regardless of the position.
“He’s (Rohit) experienced enough to see where he’s most dangerous when it comes to Australia. Where would Australia not like to see him? That’s the position he should choose. And he’s the leader of the pack, so he can afford to do that,” Shastri said.