Rohit Sharma on KL Rahul: The Pink ball Test match of the series between India and Australia (IND vs AUS, 2nd Test) will be played in Adelaide. Before the match, captain Rohit Sharma spoke to the press and answered all the key questions. Rohit also discussed India’s playing eleven and revealed who would open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. The captain confirmed that KL Rahul and Jaiswal will open in the second Test. Additionally, Rohit confirmed that he will bat in the middle order.
What did Rohit Sharma say about KL Rahul?
Captain Rohit Sharma spoke highly of KL Rahul, stating, “We want results and success. I was at home, and it was nice to see Rahul batting. The way he has batted abroad, he deserves this spot at this time. In Perth, he made such a big partnership with Yashasvi. When you’re close to 500 runs, there’s no need to change that pair.” Rohit added, “Personally, it was a difficult decision for me, but an easy decision for the team. I was watching KL Rahul’s batting from home with my newborn in my arms. He played brilliantly, so there is no need to change his position. KL deserves that spot at this point.”
Rohit Sharma said, “I was watching KL Rahul’s batting from home with my new born in arms. He played brilliantly so there is no need to change his position. KL deserves that spot at this point”. pic.twitter.com/OJuXX68Bf5
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 5, 2024
Rohit Sharma to Bat in the Middle Order
Rohit Sharma confirmed that he will bat in the middle order for the second Test. Discussing his role, he said, “It was a practice match; I am not paying much attention to it. I just wanted to experience the Pink Ball Test.”
Rohit on Harshit Rana and Nitish Reddy
Rohit praised Harshit Rana and Nitish Reddy, saying, “For Harshit and Nitish, it didn’t seem like it was their first match. Their body language was great. When you want to win a big series, you need players like them.”
Reflecting on the 2020 Pink Ball Test Defeat
Rohit recalled India’s defeat in the 2020 Pink Ball Test in Adelaide, saying, “Last time in Adelaide, we didn’t play well. But this time, we will try to change that. I am hopeful we will play well.”
Rohit Discusses the Pink Ball Challenge
Rohit spoke about the challenges posed by the pink ball, stating, “When you play with the pink ball, you need to show patience. The longer you play, the easier it becomes. You have to stay patient and find ways to deal with it.”
Rohit on Ashwin and Jadeja
In the absence of Ashwin and Jadeja from the playing XI, Rohit remarked, “it’s always difficult to leave players like Ashwin and Jadeja out. I certainly see them playing a huge role in the rest of the series. They’re quality players”.
Rohit Sharma said, “it’s always difficult to leave players like Ashwin and Jadeja out. I certainly see them playing a huge role in the rest of the series. They’re quality players”. pic.twitter.com/JxMoYZmwa2
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 5, 2024
India’s Head-to-Head Record in Australia
India has played 53 Tests in Australia, winning 10 and losing 30. Out of the 10 wins, five have been in the last two tours. Australia has won 11 of the 12 pink-ball Tests played, with their only defeat coming against the West Indies in 2024. India has won 3 out of 4 day-night Tests, with their only loss in Adelaide during the 2020-21 series.
Adelaide Test: Pitch Conditions
Adelaide Oval pitch curator Damien Hogg has said that the wicket for the second Test mat