Cheteshwar Pujara Suggests KL Rahul at No. 3 for the Second Test Against Australia
India kicked off their Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign against Australia in style, registering a massive 295-run victory in the first Test in Perth. Despite the comprehensive win, the Indian team was missing two vital players from their lineup: Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Rohit was unavailable due to the birth of his son, while Gill was sidelined with a finger injury.
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For the second Test, however, Rohit Sharma is back in the squad, and Shubman Gill is also expected to recover and reclaim his spot in the playing XI. But seasoned Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara has expressed an interesting take on the batting lineup. According to him, former Indian vice-captain KL Rahul should bat at No. 3, a position typically reserved for Gill in recent times.
Pujara’s Preference: KL Rahul at No. 3
In a conversation with ESPN Cricinfo, Pujara shared his thoughts on the ideal batting order for the second Test. He emphasized maintaining the successful combination from the first match, where KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal opened the innings. If Rohit Sharma opts to return as an opener, Pujara believes Rahul should be slotted into the crucial No. 3 position.
“I think, for some reason, if we can carry on with the same batting order—like KL and Yashasvi opening and Rohit coming in at three—that would be ideal,” Pujara explained. “However, if Rohit decides to open, KL should bat at No. 3. Nothing later than that. He has to bat at the top of the order because it suits his game really well. I hope we don’t tinker with that combination.”
Rahul’s Impressive Performance in the First Test
KL Rahul stepped up in the absence of Rohit Sharma during the first Test and delivered an impressive performance. He scored a quick-fire 26 in the first innings and followed it up with a composed 77 in the second innings. His ability to adapt to different situations was on full display, making a case for his inclusion in a pivotal role.
Pujara on Shubman Gill’s Role at No. 5
While many might expect Shubman Gill to regain his No. 3 spot, Pujara believes that the young batter would be more effective at No. 5. He argued that this position would allow Gill to adapt to various match scenarios, whether it’s stabilizing the innings after early wickets or taking on the bowlers later in the innings.
“Ideally, No. 5 would be perfect for Gill,” Pujara suggested. “This allows him to come in at a critical juncture. If India loses early wickets, he can negotiate the new ball and stabilize the innings. On the other hand, if he walks in after 25-30 overs, he has the freedom to play his natural game and attack the bowlers.”
Pujara further explained that this strategy also helps manage the batting lineup effectively. If Gill comes in earlier, it would allow India to save players like Rishabh Pant for later stages when the ball is older and more manageable.
Balancing the Batting Order
The idea of promoting KL Rahul to No. 3 and moving Shubman Gill to No. 5 might seem unconventional, but it has its merits. Rahul’s experience and adaptability make him a strong contender for a top-order role. Meanwhile, Gill, known for his attacking flair, can provide stability or aggression based on the match situation.
This approach also offers flexibility in dealing with Australia’s potent bowling attack. The duo of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc can wreak havoc with the new ball, making it crucial for India to have reliable batters in the top three. Rahul’s proven technique against quality fast bowlers makes him an ideal candidate for this role.
The Rohit Sharma Factor
Rohit Sharma’s return to the lineup adds another layer of complexity to the batting order. As one of India’s most dependable batters, his preferred position has been at the top of the order. However, if Rohit agrees to bat at No. 3, it would allow India to retain the opening partnership of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, which worked well in the first Test.
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Rohit at No. 3 could also give India an edge, as it allows the team to strengthen the middle order while maintaining stability at the top. With Rohit’s ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed, this could be a game-changing move for the second Test.
What Lies Ahead
India’s emphatic win in the first Test has set the tone for the series, but the team management must ensure the playing XI is optimized for the challenges ahead. Cheteshwar Pujara’s suggestions underline the importance of balancing experience and young talent while considering each player’s strengths and the match conditions.
Whether KL Rahul gets the nod for the No. 3 spot or Shubman Gill reclaims his position remains to be seen. However, what’s clear is that India has a wealth of options and the potential to outclass Australia once again in the second Test.
Conclusion
Cheteshwar Pujara’s insights provide a fresh perspective on how India can approach their batting lineup for the second Test. By promoting KL Rahul to No. 3 and utilizing Shubman Gill’s versatility at No. 5, India could strike the perfect balance between stability and aggression.
As fans eagerly await the next match in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the decisions made regarding the batting order could play a crucial role in determining the outcome. With a solid team strategy and the return of key players like Rohit Sharma, India looks well-equipped to continue their dominance in the series.
