Dodda Ganesh destroys Anil Kumble over 'KL Rahul the opener' suggestion for BGT 2024-25

Former Indian cricketer Dodda Ganesh didn't agree with Anil Kumble on KL Rahul opening the innings for India if Rohit Sharma will be unavailable for the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He said that Rahul should continue batting in the middle order.

The highly anticipated five-match Test series between the India National Cricket Team and the Australia National Cricket Team is around the corner. The Test series series between the teams will be played from 22nd November till January 2025.

Rohit Sharma to miss first Test

With the Test series around the corner, there have been various reports that have stated that India skipper Rohit Sharma will not be available for the first Test. The reports claimed that the batter had conveyed to BCCI that, due to personal reasons, he would join the team after the first game.

This will leave a massive void in the Indian team, especially in the first game when the tempo of the series will be set. Not only will the team miss the captain, but they will also be without a quality opener, and it leaves a massive headache for the team as to who will open.

There will be few options but to match the quality of Rohit Sharma will be a tough task. In the regular XI, too, India will have two players, Shubman Gill and Rahul, who can serve as openers as they have performed the same role earlier as well in their careers.

Since the last few series both the players have been batting in the middle. Shubman Gill has taken the No.3 spot, and Rahul has been batting at No.5. Along with them, it is expected that the team will be taking up a backup opener as well along with them to Australia.

KL Rahul that name is synonymous with change and adapting to whatever the team wants - Anil Kumble

With clouds hovering over the participation of Rohit Sharma in the first Test against Australia, Anil Kumble said that Rahul should open the innings. He said that keeper-batter is the kind of player who adapts to whatever team wants. Speaking to Jio Cinema, he explained:

"Rohit is not available in the 1st Test against, there's always KL Rahul that name is synonymous with change and adapting to whatever the team wants. Whether you want to open the batting or keep wicket, Dravid did that, now KL Rahul is doing."

Let’s not disturb that as a stop-gap arrangement - Dodda Ganesh on KL Rahul batting in the middle order

With Anil Kumble suggesting KL Rahul's name as opener, Dodda Ganesh wasn't on the same page with him. He feels that instead, Abhimanyu Easwaran should get his Test cap if Rohit Sharma isn't available. Taking to his Twitter account, he explained:

"You’ve earmarked KL Rahul as a middle-order bat. Let’s not disturb that as a stop-gap arrangement. In Rohit’s absence, Abhimanyu Easwaran should get his test cap."

You’ve earmarked KL Rahul as a midddle order bat. Let’s not disturb that as a stop gap arrangement. In Rohit’s absence Abhimanyu Easwaran should get his test cap #AUSvIND https://t.co/fU3kwPuHrQ

— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) October 16, 2024

Abhimanyu Easwaran has been going in the red hot form in the ongoing domestic circuit. He has slammed four consecutive centuries in the last four games, and it won't be a surprise if he is on the flight to Australia.