Team India will be without their inspiration captain and batting mainstay Virat Kohli for three of the four-match Test series against Australia. In his absence, the team-management is more than likely to tinker with the batting lineup. One of the changes could be demoting the experienced Rohit Sharma in the middle-order to provide the stability in Kohli’s absence.
Rohit has already claimed that he is happy to bat anywhere according to the team-management’s demand. In that case, India will have to find a new partner for Mayank Agarwal. So we are taking a look at four options who could open the innings against Australia if Rohit is demoted.
Prithvi Shaw:
He might have been the first choice opener had things not unfolded in an unexpected manner for him after his stunning Test debut in 2018 when he scored a century against West Indies. He missed the last tour of Australia due to an injury before missing the entire home season last year after being suspended for doping violation.
During his absence, Rohit Sharma was promoted as an opener and made the most of the chance. Shaw, on the other hand, returned to the playing eleven for the two Tests in New Zealand earlier this year. He scored one fifty in Rohit’s absence but is not the first choice for the opening slot now. But with Rohit willing to bat at any position, Shaw could be persisted with as an opener.