Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes Indian skipper Rohit Sharma should return to his preferred role as an opener for the third Test against Australia in Brisbane. Ponting’s remarks come after Rohit struggled in the middle order during India’s loss in the pink-ball Test at Adelaide.
Rohit batted at number six in Adelaide, a departure from his usual opening spot, following India’s decision to retain the successful opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, who had posted a 201-run stand in the first Test at Perth. Rohit, having previously batted at number six in 25 innings, was seen as a flexible option.
However, Ponting expressed concerns about the move during an episode of The ICC Review with host Sanjana Ganesan. “I felt that if Rohit Sharma was returning to the side, he should have gone straight back to the top to open the batting,” Ponting said. “KL and Jaiswal had a 200-run partnership in Perth, but Rohit is your captain and one of your most experienced players. You want him batting in his normal role. That’s something they might need to reconsider–perhaps moving Rohit back to the top for Brisbane.”
In Adelaide, Rohit scored only three and six runs in two innings, contributing to Australia’s emphatic 10-wicket win. His form in recent Tests has raised concerns, with just 142 runs at an average of 11.83 in his last 12 innings. Ponting noted, however, that external scrutiny may not be necessary. “As a player, you know when you’re not scoring runs. Rohit had a long break before that Test, and the wicket wasn’t easy to bat on. The key is to make him comfortable. I’d move him back to opening, perhaps shifting KL further down the order.”
Also Read: Ricky Ponting Lauds Rohit Sharma’s Captaincy After India’s Narrow Victory Over Pakistan
Since taking up the opening role in 2019, Rohit has been a standout performer, accumulating 2,685 runs in 64 innings at an average of 44.01, with nine centuries and eight half-centuries.
With the series tied 1-1, the focus shifts to Brisbane’s Gabba for the third Test starting December 14. The venue holds special memories for India, having broken Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak there in 2021. More recently, Australia lost to the West Indies in a pink-ball Test at the Gabba, adding pressure on the hosts ahead of this decisive clash.
