In a calculated move during the ongoing two-Test series against South Africa, the Indian team management implemented a significant change in the batting order, bringing Yashasvi Jaiswal as the opening partner to captain Rohit Sharma and demoting Shubman Gill to the No. 3 position. This move, indicative of a transition beyond seasoned players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, suggests a fresh perspective with Gill at one down and Shreyas Iyer at No. 4.
Gill, who has yet to establish himself as a prominent Test opener, faced scrutiny after managing only 2 runs in the first innings of the Centurion Test. The move to No. 3 is seen as an attempt to explore different batting configurations and rejuvenate the team’s approach.
Rohit Sharma, shedding light on this strategic decision, clarified that the choice to shift Gill to No. 3 was entirely Gill’s preference. Despite Rohit’s successful career across various batting positions, he expressed a personal distaste for batting outside the opening slot.
“There is not much difference (on opening to batting at number 3). It takes just 1 ball for a number 3 to go in. And sometimes when an opener gets injured, a number 3 has to walk out and open the innings. I don’t see much difference there. Gill is smart and understands his batting pretty well,” Rohit Sharma shared with reporters.
Furthermore, Rohit emphasized his own reluctance to bat at positions other than opener, stating, “I hated batting at number 3 and that is my opinion. Either you open the batting or you wait a little to go down the order to bat at number 5 or 6. Since I started opening, from 3 onwards till number 7, I don’t think it is the right position for anyone.”
This strategic shift aims to inject a new energy into India’s batting order, with Shubman Gill contributing from the crucial No. 3 position. As the series progresses, the effectiveness of this tactical adjustment will be closely observed.
