"Nothing later than that" - Cheteshwar Pujara suggests batting position for KL Rahul if Rohit Sharma opens in 2nd BGT 2024-25 Test
Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara reckons the visitors must try to go in with the same opening combination of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul for the second Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. He, however, added that in case Rohit Sharma wants to open, Rahul should bat no lower than No. 3.
In the absence of Rohit and Shubman Gill, Rahul opened the batting with Jaiswal in Perth and made a big impact. The right-handed batter scored 26 in the first innings before being dismissed controversially. In the second essay, the 32-year-old contributed a resolute 77.
With Rohit returning to the mix for the second Test in Adelaide, which begins on December 6, there has been constant debate among fans and experts over his batting position. Sharing his thoughts on the topic, Pujara told ESPNcricinfo that either Rohit or Rahul could bat at No. 3, depending on who is opening the innings.
"I think, for some reason if we can carry on with the same batting order, like KL and Yashasvi to open, Rohit could come in at three. If Rohit wants to open, KL should bat at No. 3. Nothing later than that. I think he has to bat top of the order, because it suits his game really well. I hope we don't tinker around with that," the Indian cricketer said.
Rahul and Jaiswal added 201 runs for the first wicket in India's second innings in Perth as the visitors went on to win the contest by 295 runs. While Rahul missed a hundred, Jaiswal hit 161 off 297 balls, with the aid of 15 fours and three sixes.
"Ideally No. 5" - Pujara on Gill's batting position for the Adelaide Test
There is still no confirmation of Shubman Gill's availability for the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. The right-handed batter missed the Perth Test due to a thumb injury. Pujara reckons that Gill should bat in the middle order if he is declared fit for the second Test against Australia.
"Ideally No. 5. Because it allows him to come in at a time, even if we lose two wickets early, he is someone who can negotiate the new ball. But if he walks in after, say, 25 or 30 overs, he can play his shots. He can play his natural game," Pujara explained.
"And in case we lose the first three wickets early, Gill walks in and saves Rishabh Pant for the old ball. [Pant] doesn't have to face the new ball. I wouldn't want him to walk in to bat when the ball is hard and new," the 36-year-old added.
Gill batted at No. 3 during the Test series at home against New Zealand. He contributed 144 runs in four innings at an average of 36, with a best of 90.