Perth: KL Rahul is aware that he will not be opening for India in the second Test against Australia as captain Rohit Sharma will “obviously walk-in” but the elegant batter is hopeful he will feature in the playing XI in Adelaide next week.
Rohit had missed the opener of the five-match series, which India won by 295 runs here on Monday. However, the skipper has already joined the tourists and will return to open the innings in the day/night second Test, starting from December 6.
In Rohit’s absence, Rahul, who bats in the middle order, was promoted to the top where he recorded scores of 26 and 77.
Rohit’s comeback from paternity leave presents a welcome dilemma for head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management. In Rohit’s absence, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah has led the team as stand-in captain, while Rahul has partnered Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top of the order. With Rohit expected to reclaim his position as an opener, the team faced a crucial decision: accommodate Rahul in the middle order or leave him out altogether.
“He will obviously walk in. He is the captain. We will have to wait and see. I am sure the captain and the coach have it sorted in their heads. We are just focused on today. At the moment, we will try and get the seven wickets that are left and think about Adelaide when it comes and hopefully get a chance in Adelaide,” KL Rahul told 7Cricket.
After a disappointing first innings where India were bowled out for 150, Rahul showcased resilience in the second innings. Despite a contentious dismissal for 26 in the first innings, he silenced critics with a composed 77 in the second, sharing a record-breaking 201-run partnership with Jaiswal.
Ahead of the series, Gambhir and the selectors faced criticism for persisting with Rahul as an opener. Many felt his experience could be better utilized in the middle order, given the emerging talent at the top. However, Rahul’s defiant knock in Perth proved his mettle and demonstrated why the team management backed him. For Rahul, the upcoming match in Adelaide represents both an opportunity and a challengeâto continue his good form and solidify his place in the team, even if it means adapting to a different role.
Mohammed Siraj ran riot on Day 4 morning with the wickets of Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith as Australia were reduced to 79/5 at stumps in a 534-run chase. Siraj claimed the Pat Cummins as the visitors gained a firm grip over the match. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli returned to form in style with a brilliant century on Day 3 as India declared their second innings when he achieved the feat in the first Test at Perth. Kohli completed his 30th Test century off 143 balls, with eight fours and two sixes.
