Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Ravi Shastri Urges Rohit Sharma to Open in Pivotal Gabba Test Against Australia

Ravi Shastri, former head coach of Team India, has strongly advocated for Rohit Sharma to open the innings in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia at the Gabba. With the series tied at 1-1, the upcoming Test is seen as a decisive encounter, and Shastri believes Rohit’s return to the top of the order could set the tone for India.

Rohit missed the opening Test due to family commitments and batted at No. 6 in the second Test in Adelaide, scoring just 9 runs across two innings. This decision to accommodate KL Rahul as an opener backfired, resulting in a crushing 10-wicket defeat for India.

In a recent interview, Shastri suggested a bold solution for this complex dilemma and remarked:

That’s where he’s been at his best over the last eight or nine years. It’s not that he’s going to set the world on fire—he could—but that’s the place that’s best for him. To lead from the front. If he has to do damage, if he has to throw the first punch, that’s the best place from where he can do it.

With Rohit’s average dipping to 27.13 in 2024, Shastri remains confident that opening the innings will help him regain form. He also highlighted the strategic importance of the Gabba Test, calling it the “moving match” of the series. He further added:

I feel whichever team wins this Test match will win the series. I have absolutely no doubt in my mind. So, it is very, very important that India get the balance right because Australia has got the confidence back.

Shastri urged India to find the perfect balance and capitalize on their opportunities against a resurgent Australian side.