3 reasons why Rohit Sharma returning to open the batting in BGT 2024-25 4th Test would be the wrong move

The much-awaited start of the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is less than 24 hours away. While all eyes will be on India's playing XI for the all-important encounter with the five-match series tied at 1-1, their batting order will make for a game within the game.

For the uninitiated, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma missed the opening Test in Perth, resulting in KL Rahul replacing him at the top with Yashasvi Jaiswal. The duo's match-winning second innings double century partnership has meant Rohit batting at No.6 since his return in Adelaide to continue the Rahul-Jaiswal opening combination.

However, considering Rohit's struggles thus far in the ongoing series with only 19 runs in three innings, a change might be on the horizon.

Two days before the start of the Boxing Day Test, the Indian captain remained tight-lipped about his batting position in the press conference, saying via Firstpost:

“Let’s not worry about who bats where. Something that we need to figure and not something I would be discussing here. We will do what is best for the team."

Yet, on the eve of the Test match, reports coming in have stated that Rohit will return to the top and partner Jaiswal, while Rahul looks set to bat at No.3. Whether what's reported turns into reality can be seen only when the Indian batting stint commences at the MCG.

Nevertheless, Rohit Sharma opening the batting in such a critical outing could be a detriment to India's chances, and here are three reasons why.

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#1 Cardinal sin of preferring familiarity over form

How unfair would it be on KL Rahul to not open at the MCG?

In a series full of batters struggling for runs or mere survival against the new ball, KL Rahul has looked a class apart. Despite the suddenness of the move, Rahul has taken to opening on challenging conditions like a fish to water.

The 32-year-old is the only Indian batter with over 200 runs (235), averaging an impressive 47 after three Tests. Rahul's two half-centuries played pivotal roles in India winning the opening Test in Perth and saving the third Test in Brisbane.

Rohit has been the polar opposite of Rahul in this series, averaging a dismal 6.33 in three innings. The Indian skipper has been in poor Test form since September, averaging under 12 in seven matches. While the last two Tests can be attributed to a position change, Rohit's production was trending south even in the home season before the Australian Tests.

The Indian skipper hadn't batted anywhere but the top in Tests since the 2018-19 tour down under. Yet, as important as Rohit's return to form may be, replacing someone already in sublime touch at the position will clearly indicate the Indian team management prefers familiarity over the current form.

Yes, Rohit returning to his familiar opening position may help him rediscover his best touch. Yet, how fair would it be on Rahul, who on sudden notice has opened the batting and been the shining light in a struggling Indian batting lineup?

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#2 Opens up possibilities of a disastrous ripple effect

Gill may have to pay a heavy price for Rohit moving to the top [Credit: Getty]

Moving Rohit Sharma back to the top could also have a massive ripple effect on the rest of the Indian batting lineup. There are two possible scenarios should such a move be made - a straight swap between Rohit and KL Rahul or a change in the batting positions of several others.

The first case will see Rahul, who has been by far India's best batter in the series, incomprehensibly bat at No.6. As unfathomable as that may be, the second case could cause even more damage with several batters shifting places just for a woefully out-of-form Rohit to return to his comfort zone of opening the batting.

If the reports are to come true, Rahul will move from opening to No.3, and with Virat Kohli almost certain to stay at No.4, what happens to Shubman Gill?

As mediocre as his overall Test numbers may be, Gill has enjoyed his best season with the bat, averaging over 43 in 12 Test outings this year, while batting at No.3. Moving him to No.5 or 6 - two positions he has never batted in, could cause needless uncertainty in his mind and to the rest of batting lineup.

Even in the unimaginable scenario of Gill being left out for a second spinner, Rohit's move to opening raises uncomfortable questions apart from the KL Rahul factor.

How justified would it be to have Rohit open after two matches instead of immediately in the second Test, considering Rahul has only further proved his mettle as an opener against the moving ball?

With the series hanging in the balance, it could also be a positive signal to the Aussies that India are still uncertain about their batting order. Hence, the ripple effects are potentially damaging and would be the classic case of 'missing the forest for the trees' if India focus on what's best for Rohit instead of what's ideal for the overall batting lineup.

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#3 History not on Rohit's side

Australia v India - 3rd Test: Day 3 - Source: Getty

Unfortunately for India and Rohit, historical data is also completely against the skipper opening the batting in the Boxing Day Test.

For starters, Rohit boasts poor numbers in Tests down under with an average of only 26.68 in nine matches. Opening the batting in Australia has also done no favors for the 37-year-old throughout his career, evidenced by his average of 32.25 in four innings.

Ironically, Rohit's highest score in a Test innings in Australia came in Melbourne when he batted at No.6. Even from a technical standpoint, the move makes little to no sense as Rohit's recent issues have been his lack of swift footwork against the moving ball.

Opening the batting will only further accentuate the issue as the new Kookaburra ball has historically moved more in the air and off the pitch in Australia than the older cherry.

Considering all the above-mentioned tangible and intangible reasons, Rohit returning to the top is possibly neither beneficial to him, the in-form KL Rahul or the rest of the Indian batting lineup.