Rohit is reportedly expected to miss the opening game of the series owing to personal reasons.
A former India skipper has made a surprising pick to pair Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top of the batting order in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, in Rohit Sharma’s absence.
Rohit is reportedly expected to miss the opening game of the series owing to personal reasons, although no official confirmation has been given by the BCCI.
In such a scenario, Anil Kumble has opined that the team management should opt to slot dynamic right-hander KL Rahul at the top.
Kumble feels that KL Rahul is the ideal candidate to step up in such a scenario and has backed Shubman Gill to excel at the No. 3 spot.
Echoing on the same lines, Kumbe said while speaking on JioCinema,
“I don’t want to change that. I know there’s a temptation to push Shubman Gill because Rohit is not available in the first Test. But, there’s always KL Rahul that name is synonymous with change and adapting to whatever the team wants. Whether you want to open the batting or keep wickets, Rahul Dravid did that, now KL Rahul is doing that.”
Kumble reasons his decision to promote KL Rahul to open the innings
Kumble believes this lineup would preserve balance, as Gill has smoothly transitioned into the one-down role. Gill’s significant experience as an opener includes his vital knock of 91 during India’s historic win in Brisbane in 2021.
Having made his debut as an opener in Melbourne in 2020, Gill opened for India in 17 Tests before moving to the No. 3 spot in 2023, demonstrating his flexibility in the top order.
Kumble highlighted that Gill’s approach to batting contrasts with the more traditional styles of former No. 3 mainstays like Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara.
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Kumble also suggested that India could benefit from Gill’s ability to adjust swiftly to different game situations. With the series expected to be fiercely contested, Gill’s dynamic batting and adaptability could give India the advantage they need in challenging Australian conditions
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