"Rohit can think of one thing" - Aakash Chopra suggests a change in India's batting order for BGT 2024-25 4th Test
Aakash Chopra has suggested a potential change in India's batting order for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 fourth Test. He opined that Rohit Sharma can promote himself to No. 3, with Shubman Gill moving down the order.
The five-match series between India and Australia is tied at 1-1 heading into the final two games in Melbourne and Sydney. Neither Rohit nor Gill has played a substantial knock in the series thus far.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel 'Aakash Chopra', the former India opener was asked whether Rohit and Gill should make way for Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel in the visitors' playing XI.
"Nothing of that sort is going to happen and it shouldn't happen as well. I totally understand that it's been 16 innings for Shubman Gill since he has scored a 40-plus score outside Asia. It's been a while. You have a lot of expectations from him that he will score runs, and things will change," he responded."
"However, will there be a change (to his place) - no. Can you leave out Rohit Sharma? Does anyone talk like that about the captain? However, Rohit can think of one thing, if he wishes. Come at No. 3 and send Shubman down the order," Chopra added.
Rohit has managed 19 runs at a paltry average of 6.33 in three innings in BGT 2024-25. Gill has aggregated 60 runs at an underwhelming average of 20.00 in his three hits in the series.
"I have slight empathy for Sarfaraz" - Aakash Chopra
![Sarfaraz Khan wasn't included in India's playing XI in the first three Tests against Australia. [P/C: Getty]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/d3fc0-17345934012619-1920.jpg?w=500)
However, Aakash Chopra expressed his empathy for Sarfaraz Khan.
"I have slight empathy for Sarfaraz. He could have been played in Perth but he was sidelined without a trial by fire, that he cannot work here. Whether he could have worked or not - again the jury is out," he said in the same video.
The cricketer-turned-commentator opined that Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz will have to wait on the sidelines for now.
"I was also not very confident but how does my confidence make a difference? The truth is that you give a chance and then replace someone who doesn't deliver. However, he didn't get a chance and I don't think he will get it as well. Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz will have to wait," Chopra observed.
Jurel played the first Test against Australia due to Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill's unavailability. However, the wicketkeeper-batter managed only 12 runs across two innings and was left out once the experienced duo returned to the mix.