Ian Chappell, Australia vs India 2018/19, Rohit Sharma
Ian Chappell feels Rohit Sharma should form an ally with Virat Kohli. Image Courtesy: Getty

Legendary Australia captain, Ian Chappell feels Rohit Sharma will give skipper Virat Kohli an the advantage of having another batsman in the side during Tests. As per schedule, India will play the first of four Tests at the Adelaide Oval, starting December 16th.

Rohit in the XI would favour Virat – Chappell

Ian Chappell, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli
Ian Chappell says Rohit Sharma forming an ally with Virat Kohli would benefit India. Image Courtesy: Getty

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Meanwhile, Australia will miss the service of their two greats – David Warner and Steven Smith. The duo is serving a twelve-month ban from international cricket imposed by CA. Previously, they, along with batsman Cameron Bancroft, got involved themselves in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa early this year.

Moreover, Australia is capable enough to impose a tough challenge to the world number Test side. Mitchell Starc, who will lead the bowling attack will be keen to show the visitors that they are still champions when it comes to playing in red-ball cricket, and that too at their home.

Moreover, Ian Chappell wants Rohit Sharma to be seen playing in the XI for the first Test. However, this will give India an extra batting option on the side. Sharma, moreover, is always comfortable against short-pitched bowling feels the cricketer turned pundit.

Rohit forming ally with Kohli would do wonders for India

Ian Chappell, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli
Rohit Sharma’s ODI numbers are staggering. Image Courtesy: Getty

“The Indian top three should be aware that the Australian pacemen will be seeking early scalps in order to get the redoubtable Virat Kohli in while the ball is still shiny. This leads to a selection conundrum. Do India bat the dogged Cheteshwar Pujara at three and hope he’ll wear the quickies down or do they gamble on Rohit Sharma who is technically well-equipped to tackle the short-pitched stuff aggressively? Kohli showed on the last tour of Australia that he’s extremely adept at dealing with short-pitched deliveries, but it would be of great benefit to provide him with an ally in this confrontation,” Ian Chappell concluded.

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As far as numbers are concerned, Virat Kohli’s men would want to create history Down Under. Until now, no Indian team has managed to win a Test series in Australia, and this current side would keen to alter the numbers.