The Indian cricket team made a remarkable start to their tour of Australia by winning the first Test, a rare achievement, especially in the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma. Now that Rohit has rejoined the team and taken charge, preparations for the second Test are in their final stages. The pink-ball day-night Test will begin on December 6 at the Adelaide Oval, adding to the excitement. Despite the victory in the first Test, Team India is forced to tweak its winning combination due to unavoidable circumstances. The big question remains—will Rohit Sharma make the bold decision everyone is talking about?
Will KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal Continue to Open?
Rohit Sharma is set to lead Team India again. However, the pressing question is where he will bat upon his return. Traditionally, Rohit has opened the batting in Tests. In his absence during the first Test, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal opened and, despite failing in the first innings, forged a record-breaking 200+ partnership in the second innings. Will Rohit break this partnership?
Rohit Sharma May Bat at No. 5
If Rohit decides to retain KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal as openers, he may move down to No. 5 or No. 6 in the batting order. This wouldn’t be a new challenge for him, as he began his Test career in the middle order. While Jaiswal scored a stellar 161 in the second innings, KL Rahul contributed a combined 103 runs across both innings, facing 250 deliveries.
Shubman Gill Set to Return for the Second Test
Shubman Gill has recovered from his injury and is likely to play the second Test. He was seen in the practice match and will likely bat at No. 3. Devdutt Padikkal, included for only one Test, will make way. Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant are certain to retain their places, which means Rohit may have to drop Dhruv Jurel from the XI.
Minimal Changes in the Bowling Attack
The bowling lineup is expected to remain largely unchanged. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace attack alongside Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana. Nitish Kumar Reddy is likely to be the fourth pacer, while Washington Sundar will be the sole spinner, providing an additional batting option.
India’s Probable Playing XI for the Adelaide Test
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma (C), Rishabh Pant (WK), Washington Sundar, Nitish Reddy, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj