IND vs AUS: The Indian team’s support staff member Abhishek Nair has stated that Indian captain Rohit Sharma will bat first in the fourth Test match against Australia. Nair provided this information during a press conference following the conclusion of the first day’s play of the Boxing Day Test taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Rohit to open in MCG?
Nair states that the team requires Rohit to open the batting. Rohit missed the Perth Test because of the arrival of his second child, leading KL Rahul to open the first match alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in his place. The duo of Yashasvi and Rahul excelled in the first match, prompting Rohit to alter his position.
Nevertheless, in the second and third Tests, Rahul and Yashasvi were unable to provide a strong opening for the team. As Rahul took the role of opener, Rohit was set to bat at the sixth spot, but his bat was ineffective.
Nair mentioned that Rohit is expected to rise in the batting order and is very likely to open the innings. He said, “This was the strategy. Regrettably, Shubman Gill had to be let go; given the circumstances, his dismissal was necessary. In this kind of situation, I believe a young athlete aims to stand out on the important day. He realizes that this is the team’s requirement and it is unfortunate. However, I wouldn’t claim that he has been removed from the team. It is unfortunate that he was unable to join the team.”
Why Sundar in the playing XI?
Nair commented on Washington Sundar’s inclusion in the starting lineup, saying, “We believed Washington Sundar could provide us added strength with Ravindra Jadeja, particularly given how Travis Head and Alex Carey were accumulating runs down the order. We thought an off-spinner would be beneficial.”