KL Rahul Set To Open The Innings At Adelaide, Confirms Rohit Sharma

On the eve of the second test match at Adelaide which is a pink ball test, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has confirmed that KL Rahul will be walking out with Yashasvi Jaiswal to open the innings. Rohit also stated that he would slot himself 'Somewhere in the middle order'. KL Rahul who last opened in a test match in 2023 had a great outing in the opening test at Perth.

Rohit Sharma on Kl Rahul

"KL is going to open the innings for us tomorrow, & I'll slot myself somewhere in the middle order, not easy at all as it has been a while since I batted in the middle order in tests for India, but, this is something that suits well for the team, what Kl has outside India is very commendable". Rohit Said

Rohit Sharma returned for the second test there were questions as to where will Kl Rahul be pushed down the order or would warm the bench after looking so solid technically on a tough and swinging pitch at Perth in the first two days of the game. KL showed great composure and batted well inside the line to avoid poking the ball outside the off stump.

He scored a patient 74-ball 26 while batters fell around him in India's first innings that finished on 150. In the second innings, he made a bigger contribution scoring 76 off 177 deliveries ensuring India recorded a 200+ opening partnership. Rohit also stated that it will be a bit tough for him to adjust in the middle order but, it's something that is in the best interest of the team.

Rohit On Team's Mantra For Adelaide

"We want victories we want results to go our way, it was great to watch Rahul bat so well, I was watching the match from home, yeah it'll be a bit difficult for me to adjust in the middle order but, Its something that it's in the best interest of the team," Rohit said.

While India made top-order changes in the absence of Rohit and Shubman Gill, they also had two debutants in the middle and lower order in Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana. Both showed great composure and did not feel any pressure one bit, ensuring that the skipper was impressed by the two young guns.

Rohit on Nitish Reddy & Harshit Rana

"It was very exciting to watch them, I had only heard about them when coming in as they played some good T20 cricket before coming to Australia, they did a commendable job at a tough ground in Perth, the way they were playing it didn't look like they were playing their first test match," Rohit said.

Nitish Reddy scored a crucial 41 in the first innings when India was on the brink of getting bundled out before 100. Reddy's 41 helped India reach 150. Meanwhile, the other debutant Harshit Rana bowled great lines in tandem with skipper Jasprit Bumrah to help Australia skittle out for 104, ensuring India gained a first-inning lead, Rana picked up 3 wickets in the first innings.

In the second Innings, Reddy again played a great cameo in helping India post a stiff target for Australia to chase. Rana got the finishing touches of the game as he castled Alex Carey with a disguised slower that breached his defenses and hit the timber to cap off the match.

"Right from the first go, they looked comfortable and raring to go, they did everything that was asked of them, and their contribution was crucial for us to win the first test, it was great to see from home these guys perform under pressure without any fear, we need these type of characters in this team who can win you big games or series"

"As a captain you want these guys to perform and take the opportunity as it comes, they have made a beautiful start to their international career, I can only wish good for them as they have a long journey going forward " Rohit added.