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India's spin legend Harbhajan Singh has predicted two big changes in India's playing XI for the upcoming third Test against Australia in Brisbane, which is set to start from December 14. Not just this the 'Turbanator' also hinted at Rohit Sharma's batting position in the third Test.
Will India alter their playing XI in third Test against Australia?
Harbhajan feels India captain Rohit Sharma won't change his batting order in the Gabba Test and will continue to bat at no. 6 despite failing miserably in that batting order in Adelaide Test.
Rohit returned to the Indian team for the Adelaide Test after missing the Perth victory. He gave up his opening spot to accommodate KL Rahul. However, the move to no.6 proved to be unsuccessful, as Rohit managed to score only nine runs across both innings. India ended up losing the match by 10 wickets as none of the batters could cross 50-run mark in both the innings.
Meanwhile, Harbhajan thinks Rohit will retain his position at number six in the third Test against Australia.
"I don't think there will be any change in the batting order. I feel the batting order will be like this only. We discussed yesterday on the show that Rohit Sharma should probably come up the order. (Sunil) Gavaskar sahab also said that, but I feel the team management will not think like that," Harbhajan told Star Sports.
"They will probably go with the same kind of batting order that worked for them in Perth. Rohit is also not in great form. So why would you send him (Rohit) up the order when he is not in form? I feel you should start with KL Rahul and Yashasvi (Jaiswal) only, and Rohit should bat in the middle order," former India spinner further added.
Talking about the possible changes in India's playing XI, Harbhajan said R Ashwin might be replaced with Washington Sundar for the Brisbane Test. Sundar's impressive performance in the Perth Test makes him a strong contender for a spot in the playing XI.
Moreover, in other change, Harbhajan believes that Prasidh Krishna could replace Harshit Rana, who struggled in the Adelaide Test.
"I feel we might see one change. Washington Sundar might come back and play in Brisbane. Although Ashwin didn't bowl much and didn't get much opportunity to do anything special, the way Washington Sundar's first match went, he picked up two wickets and is slightly better with the bat, I feel he will be played," he added.
"I feel we will see one change in fast bowling. Prasidh Krishna can probably play in place of Harshit Rana. He has the height and can get the ball to bounce. I feel he can be quite handy on that fast wicket," Harbhajan concluded.
