MSK Prasad Names The One Indian Player Who Will Be Replaced By Rohit Sharma In The Third Test

Former India chairman of selectors MSK Prasad has reckoned that with Rohit Sharma expected to slot-in in the playing 11, it could be a direct toss-up between Mayank Agarwal and Hanuma Vihari for an elusive spot in the playing 11.

Rohit Sharma, who missed out from the first two Tests of the ongoing series, joined the Indian contingent in Melbourne on Wednesday (December 30).

With Shubman Gill impressing in his debut game at the MCG, the young opener looks a lock for the New Year Test. That means Mayank Agarwal could face the axe if India decides to persist with Gill- the opener.

Mayank has endured a difficult time in the ongoing series with the Australian pacers exploiting the chinks in his technique to the hilt.

However, Prasad reckoned that it will be harsh on the opener if he is dropped from the playing 11, given the fact that he has been a prolific run-scorer in the past 18 months.

If Mayank does retains his place, then it would mean Hanuma Vihari will have to make way for Rohit Sharma.

MSK Prasad, however, is not sure whether Rohit Sharma will like to open the innings given the fact that he is coming off after a long layoff. He wondered as to what role the team-management would want Rohit to play- opener or as a middle-order anchor?

“It will be a toss-up between Mayank and Vihari. Dropping Mayank will be a tough call since he has scored hundreds and double hundreds over the last 18 months. I am still not sure about Rohit opening because he is coming after a long break. Will he prefer to open or bat in the middle order? That is another question,” MSK Prasad was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

“And what kind of role the team management is expecting from Rohit. That is also a factor. Whether they want Rohit to give the team a flying start or anchor the innings in the middle?” he added.

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