Former Indian fast bowler Dodda Ganesh has strongly opposed the idea of Rohit Sharma opening the batting in the crucial third Test against Australia at the Gabba. Ganesh has likened this move to 'sending a lamb to the slaughterhouse', expressing serious concerns about the potential consequences of such a decision.
Dodda Ganesh doesn't want Rohit Sharma to open in Gabba Test
Ganesh took to X, formerly known as Twitter, said that Rohit is already short of confidence and runs and asking him to return to opening spot won't be an apt call.
"Rohit Sharma is already short of confidence and runs. Experts urging him to open at Gabba is foolhardy, to say the least. The series is not being played in the sub-continent where he can throw his bat and get some runs. It will be lamb to the slaughterhouse if he opens," Ganesh tweeted.
Rohit Sharma batting struggles in focus
India captain Rohit's recent form has been a cause for concern, especially after his underwhelming performances in the second Test against Australia. Despite calls for him to return to the opening slot, his track record in SENA countries is less than impressive. In 46 innings in these conditions, Rohit averages below 30, with a slightly improved average of 37.8 as an opener. His stellar performance of 127 at The Oval in 2021, where he effectively countered the English swing bowling, stands out as an exception.
The Gabba, however, presents a different set of challenges. The Australian pitches, with their bounce and carry, demand a specific technique and temperament. Even minor technical flaws could be exploited by the formidable Australian bowling attack, led by Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
Rohit should come on his regular number: Sunil Gavaskar
Meanwhile, batting great Sunil Gavaskar has a different point of view and instead wants Rohit to go back to his opening role in the third Test against Australia. He said that KL Rahul's opening in the first Test was primarily due to Rohit's unavailability.
"Yes, I think he should come on his regular number. We should also keep in mind that why did Rahul open? Because Rohit Sharma was not available for the first Test. Now he was kept as an opener for the second Test because of his partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal, I can understand that," Gavaskar said during a conversation witht Sports Tak.
"But he did not make runs in this Test match. So I think Rahul should go on his regular number 5 or 6. And Rohit Sharma should go on his regular number at top. If Rohit Sharma makes 30 runs in the third Test, he can convert it into a big century." he concluded.
