India will have a few selection conundrums when they pick the playing XI for the second Test against Australia in Adelaide. Rohit Sharma and Shubman missed the series opener, but are set to return to the side for the Adelaide Test. Rohit Sharma will replace Devdutt Padikkal while Shubman Gill could return in place of Dhruv Jurel.
The return of Rohit Sharma would mean that KL Rahul might have to bat at five. Rahul and Jaiswal batted brilliantly in the first Test and stitched a 201-run partnership in the second innings. Rahul, especially looked solid at the top, leaving balls and showing great defensive skills. He scored a solid 37 in the first innings and backed it up with a composed 77 in the second innings.
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A good opening partnership is key to success in Test cricket and there could be a possibility that Rohit Sharma demotes himself in the batting order. Rohit Sharma hasn't been in great form in Test cricket and his technique could be tested by the Australian bowlers with the new ball. Rohit in recent times has played an aggressive brand of cricket and could be best suited to No.5 position where he can play his natural game.
Rohit Sharma did not open for India against PM XI in the practice game which could be a big hint that it'll be Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul opening for India in the Adelaide Test.
India's Likely Batting Order For Second Test
India’s batting order for the second Test could be as follows – Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rahul will open the innings, followed by Shubman Gill at three. Virat Kohli will bat at four, with Rohit Sharma coming in at five. Rishabh Pant will bat at six. Nitish Reddy and Washington Sundar will be the following two batters. Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah will be the bowlers.