Rohit Sharma should replace Shubman Gill as an opening batsman: Pragyan Ojha

Former Indian left-arm orthodox spinner Pragyan Ojha believes that Rohit Sharma should replace Shubman Gill. Rohit should come in the place as India's opener for the Sydney Test and Mayank Agarwal holding on to his current position.

Rohit Sharma is now available for the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.  The Indian team management might be in a problem that the batsman should replace in the playing XI.

Mayank Agarwal has not been in his best form in the first two Tests and the New Zealand series earlier in the year. He had a great start to his Test career but could not continue the momentum. On the other hand, Shubman Gill has advanced his abilities with a few appealing knocks in the Boxing Day Test.

The spinner was questioned if the Indian team should consider shifting Hanuma Vihari up the order as an opener for the Sydney Test. Ojha responded that the side needs to go by the defined processes. He also observed that pacers Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami are only likely to come back after recovering from their injuries although Mohammed Siraj has done well.

Pragyan Ojha further stated that, although Shubman Gill has played some impressive knocks, he should make way for Rohit Sharma at the top of the order. The spinner added that the current opening batsman Mayank Agarwal should partner Rohit Sharma at the other end.

Hanuma Vihari should continue batting in the middle order: Pragyan Ojha

Pragyan Ojha has opined that Hanuma Vihari should not bat at the order's top. Repeated changes in batting position can unsettle a batsman.

Pragyan Ojha concluded by reiterating that Shubman Gill should play down the order to bring in Rohit Sharma. He also reckoned that such a decision could be a morale-booster for opener Mayank Agarwal. Even though left-arm spinner favours Rohit Sharma to replace Shubman Gill, the Indian team is not likely to decide.

Mayank Agarwal can miss out on the spot and the Sydney Test because more than the lack of runs from his bat as some of his technical deficiencies have now been exposed by the Australian bowlers which he needs to work on. Rohit Sharma and David Warner are going to lead the formidable batting line-ups of India. Both the sides will play the third Test match at the SCG from Thursday.

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