Sanjay Manjrekar Makes a Bold Statement on Rohit Sharma’s Role in the India-Australia Test Series

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed his firm opinion regarding Rohit Sharma’s position in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 second Test match. He stated that Rohit Sharma will not open for India despite his return to the squad. Instead, the management is likely to retain the opening pair of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Rohit missed the first Test due to the birth of his second child, paving the way for KL Rahul to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Recently, in a practice match against the Australian PM XI, Rohit batted at number 4 while Rahul and Jaiswal continued as the opening pair.

“For Me, This Is a Clear Signal” – Sanjay Manjrekar

Manjrekar emphasized that it is evident Rohit Sharma will not open in the second Test. He pointed out that the team management is likely to stick with the successful Rahul-Jaiswal duo, which performed exceptionally well in the second innings of the first Test.

“Yes, for me, this is a clear signal. I thought there might be other reasons behind it, but it seems as clear as it can be. As we all wondered whether the successful opening pair from the previous match’s second innings, which made significant contributions, would be broken up, the answer seems obvious,” Manjrekar explained.

Rohit Sharma Bats in the Middle Order in Warm-Up Match

In the warm-up match against the Australian PM XI, Rahul and Jaiswal initially had a modest 5-run partnership in the first innings. However, they created history in the second innings by forging a 201-run stand – India’s first-ever 200-plus opening partnership in Australia. This formidable effort set up a target of 534 runs, leading to a massive 295-run victory for India.

Although Rohit and Jaiswal have been a strong opening pair in recent Tests, Rahul’s outstanding performance at the top has presented the team with a selection dilemma ahead of the second Test.

“Team Management Will Consider Cricket Logic and Current Form” – Sanjay Manjrekar

Manjrekar mentioned that the team management will rely on logic and current form when deciding on the opening pair for the next match. He added that after Rahul and Jaiswal’s record-breaking 200-plus partnership, the duo is likely to retain their positions.

“Imagine a 200-plus opening stand in Australia for the first time, and we’ve already seen the results. I doubt the management will overlook cricketing logic and current form. They will use common sense, and it seems Rohit, who could voluntarily step into this middle-order role, is making the best decision to maximize what has already been achieved,” said Manjrekar.

Rohit Sharma to Lead India in the Second Test at Adelaide Oval

Rohit Sharma will captain the Indian team in the second Test, scheduled to be played at the Adelaide Oval, starting Friday, December 6. The match will be a day-night affair with the pink ball. India currently leads the five-match Test series 1-0.

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