Australia vs India 2018: Who Should India Play - Hanuma Vihari or Rohit Sharma?

India has already announced its 12-man squad for the first Test match against Australia to be played at Adelaide. In fact, India is expected to play one batsman between Rohit Sharma and Hanuma Vihari at the number six position. Thus, it would be interesting to note India’s playing combination for the first Test match.

Meanwhile, Hanuma Vihari gives an option of off-spin to Indian skipper Virat Kohli. Vihari had scored a fine knock of 53 runs in the four-day warm-up match against Cricket Australia XI. Furthermore, he had 12 overs in the practice match in the first innings, which gives him a slight advantage to being in the final XI of the first Test match. However, the off-spinner had gone wicketless in the warm-up match.

Hanuma Vihari provides the option of part-time off-spin.

Moreover, Hanuma Vihari had a fine start to his Test career. Vihari had scored a valiant knock of 56 runs in the fifth and final Test match against England at Oval. In fact, he had gone on to scalp three wickets in the second innings of the final Test match. However, he didn’t get his chance to play in the two-match Test match series against the Windies.

Read More: Most Runs in IPL.

Meanwhile, India could also be tempted to play Rohit Sharma. In fact, there is no doubt that Rohit Sharma brings in a lot of expectations to the table with himself. Rohit can hit the ground running with his batting. However, there is always an insecurity with his batting.

Rohit Sharma brings experience to the table.

The flamboyant batsman had received his opportunity for the first two Test matches against South Africa. Though, he failed to grab his chance as he could not deliver the goods. Rohit has been a fine limited overs batsman for India but he hasn’t been able to carry the same form in the red ball version of the game.

Furthermore, Rohit hasn’t played a multi-day format for India since his failure on the South African tour. Thus, playing Rohit in the final XI could be like walking on thin ice.

However, Rohit is a type of batsman who likes the ball to come on to the bat and the Australian pitches are suited to his style of play. Therefore, if he can get going in the first Test match at Adelaide, he could be India’s trump card. Hence, it is a gamble to play Rohit Sharma, if he hits the straps, he is going to be a match-winner. Furthermore, Rohit has got experience under his belt, though playing the red ball version is a different ball game altogether.