NEW DELHI: The debate over Captain Rohit Sharma’s batting position for the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia in Brisbane has sparked discussions on social media. After missing the Perth Test due to his second child’s birth, Rohit opted to bat at No. 6 in Adelaide, allowing KL Rahul to continue opening.
However, this strategy proved unsuccessful as Rohit managed only nine runs across both innings in India’s 10-wicket defeat.
A notable discussion emerged between cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar and Matthew Hayden regarding Rohit and KL Rahul’s batting positions for the upcoming Brisbane Test, scheduled for Saturday, with an amusing incident involving Hayden’s on-air mistake.
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In his analysis on Star Sports post-second Test, Gavaskar advocated for Rohit’s return to opening, suggesting it could provide India with a strong start. He proposed moving Rahul to No. 6, entrusting him with handling the second new ball.
“I think he should come back to opening for the next Test because he likes the ball to come onto the bat. This innings, one can understand, because he hadn’t played for a while, and Rahul and Jaiswal had a 200-run partnership in the previous game. But Rahul can come down the order and face the second new ball. I’m being optimistic that India will bat so well in the next game that Rahul will take care of the second new ball,” he said.
Hayden presented a contrasting view, advising against hasty changes despite the Adelaide defeat, supporting the “technically-sound” Rahul as opener.
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However, he mistakenly said “Rahul Dravid” instead of “KL Rahul.”
He stated: “I’ll be slightly more stubborn. I will not be changing at this stage. I know you would like a better outcome inside the top three. But from what I saw in Perth, technically, Rahul Dravid is right there. He just needs to do it for a longer.”
Gavaskar humorously pointed out the error: “I would love it if it was Rahul Dravid, as you said, but it is KL Rahul.”
Hayden, amidst laughter, apologised and explained that Dravid’s Adelaide Oval double century still haunts him.
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“Sorry, KL Rahul. My apologies. I was thinking of when he dominated here in Adelaide and got us smashed in 2003/04 series. That’s a nightmare I’m stull living.”
Dravid’s marathon 233 during India’s 2003/04 tour of Australia was a masterclass in grit. Chasing Australia’s 556, powered by Ricky Ponting’s 242, Dravid found stellar support from VVS Laxman.
The pair’s record 303-run stand fueled India’s 523-run reply.
Dravid’s 446-ball knock featured 23 fours and a six. He followed it with an unbeaten 72 as India chased 230, sealing their first win in Australia since 1981 and only their fourth ever Down Under.
