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Why Danish Kaneria Thinks Rohit Sharma Should Step Down as Opener in BGT 2024-25?

The upcoming series against Australia could be a defining moment for Sharma’s Test career. Whether or not he changes his batting position, Sharma’s performance will be critical for India

With the World Test Championship (WTC) standings in mind, India needs every win to strengthen their chances of making it to the finals.

Sharma, as captain, is aware of the responsibility on his shoulders, not only to make runs but also to lead his team to victory.

Should this adjustment prove successful, it could become a long-term change in Sharma’s approach to Test cricket, possibly shaping his role in future series.

As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches, fans are divided on whether Sharma should adjust his batting position. While some fans welcome the idea, believing it could bring stability, others feel that Sharma should remain India’s anchor at the top.

Regardless, there is no denying that fans and cricket analysts have high hopes for a memorable Border-Gavaskar series, given India’s fierce rivalry with Australia.

The outcome of Sharma’s decision could be a significant factor in the series, with fans expecting him to contribute meaningfully to India’s performance. His decision, whether to stick to opening or move to No. 3, will inevitably become a talking point throughout the series.

The decision ultimately rests with India’s team management and coach Rahul Dravid, who must weigh Sharma’s recent form, Kaneria’s recommendation, and other strategic factors.

Danish Kaneria
Danish Kaneria (Image: Source)

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Danish Kaneria: Rohit Sharma’s Batting Position Under Scrutiny

India’s cricketing world is abuzz with discussion after former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria suggested that Indian captain Rohit Sharma might benefit from a change in his batting position.1

The recommendation comes as Sharma faces challenges in red-ball cricket, and Kaneria believes a different approach could help him regain form for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.

Let’s delve into Kaneria’s insights, the challenges facing Sharma, and the potential implications of this strategic shift.

Indian coaches and selectors will likely discuss various combinations and scenarios, considering Australia’s bowling attack and how each player can contribute best to India’s chances of success.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is one of the most prestigious series, and every detail will be scrutinized to ensure the team is fully prepared.

Kaneria’s Recommendation: Rohit Sharma at No. 3

Danish Kaneria’s suggestion is grounded in a desire to see Rohit Sharma succeed in seam-friendly Australian conditions.

According to Kaneria, Sharma’s ongoing struggles with the new ball could be mitigated if he moved to the No. 3 position, with younger talents like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal taking the reins as openers.

This recommendation reflects a trend seen in cricket where star players sometimes change positions to alleviate pressure and maximize their contributions to the team.

Quoting from his video, Kaneria explained:

“With the kind of form Rohit Sharma is in, no doubt he has been a great player and has done a lot for Team India, it is my opinion that he should bat at No. 3. Shubman Gill should open with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Maybe it will give some more time to Rohit Sharma as he has been struggling with the new ball.”

Kaneria believes this strategy could help Sharma build a stronger innings, especially in Australia, where the new ball is notorious for its movement.

Rohit Sharma’s form in Test cricket has been erratic, with recent performances underwhelming his fans and critics alike.

His string of low scores in the recent home Test series against New Zealand, where he averaged only 15.50 over four innings, has raised concerns. Sharma’s ability to negotiate the swinging and seaming conditions with the new ball has also been questioned.

With the ball swinging early in Australian conditions, Sharma’s recent record against quality pace attacks has highlighted his vulnerability at the start of his innings.

In the event of a change, Sharma would have the chance to settle in without facing the opening spells of Australia’s seasoned bowlers, who excel with the new ball.

Danish Kaneria
Danish Kaneria (Image: Source)

Danish Kaneria: Australia’s Seam-Friendly Conditions 

The challenges for Sharma in Australia are amplified due to the seam-friendly conditions prevalent there.2

Australian pitches, especially those in venues like Brisbane and Perth, are notorious for supporting fast bowlers, with the new ball becoming a significant threat early in the innings.

A move down the order could allow Sharma to face an older ball, which may be less challenging, thus reducing his risk of early dismissal.

Kaneria suggested that Sharma’s strengths could be better utilized by avoiding the swinging conditions that come with facing the new ball in Australia.

Given his skill and experience, he could potentially thrive in the middle overs, where he might avoid the swinging new ball yet still be able to make impactful contributions for India.

Potential New Opening Combination: Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal

If Sharma were to bat at No. 3, Kaneria recommends Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal as India’s openers.

Both Gill and Jaiswal have shown impressive potential and adaptability, and their solid technique against pace and swing could suit Australia’s conditions.

Shubman Gill’s recent form across formats and his impressive backfoot play make him an ideal candidate for opening, while Jaiswal’s fearlessness and penchant for scoring could add a fresh dynamic to India’s batting lineup.

This opening combination could allow India to maximize the youthful energy and fearlessness of these players, giving them an edge early in the innings and allowing Sharma the stability he may need to find form.

Learning from Historic Position Changes in Cricket

Rohit Sharma would not be the first seasoned player to experiment with changing his batting position.

For instance, Sachin Tendulkar occasionally batted at No. 4 in Tests and then returned to opening in limited-overs formats, a move that allowed him to tackle different bowling conditions. Similarly, Steve Smith and Joe Root have adjusted their positions in response to changing needs.

If Sharma embraces a change, he could be looking at a path similar to these legends who adjusted strategically, allowing their experience and resilience to outshine situational challenges.

Danish Kaneria
Danish Kaneria (Image: Source)

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Danish Kaneria’s Backing of Nitish Kumar Reddy 

India’s selection of seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy has stirred excitement and sparked debates.3

Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria has voiced strong support for Reddy’s inclusion in the playing XI over seasoned batter KL Rahul.

With Kaneria’s endorsement adding fuel to the conversation, fans and experts alike are discussing the potential impact Reddy could have in his debut Test series.

Here’s an exploration of why Kaneria believes Reddy is the right choice, his potential role in the series, and how his inclusion reflects India’s broader approach to team selection.

A Seam-Bowling All-Rounder with Potential

Nitish Kumar Reddy’s journey to his first Test call-up is a story of hard work and promise. Known for his all-round skills, Reddy has excelled in domestic cricket, showcasing his talent with both bat and ball.

His ability to contribute effectively in all departments of the game makes him a valuable asset, particularly in a series as competitive as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Reddy has consistently impressed selectors, his performances paving the way for this much-anticipated debut.

Kaneria sees Reddy as a fresh, versatile option capable of delivering under pressure. With his seam-bowling capabilities, Reddy brings an element that could bolster India’s attack on Australian soil.

His knack for scoring quickly and his strong fielding skills complement his bowling, setting him apart from more specialized players.

Danish Kaneria
Danish Kaneria

Danish Kaneria’s Call: Why KL Rahul Should Make Way for Nitish Reddy?

KL Rahul’s struggles with consistency have been widely documented. Although he is a seasoned campaigner, his recent form has fluctuated, creating a void that Kaneria believes Reddy can fill. In a video discussion, Kaneria elaborated on why Rahul’s place in the XI should go to Reddy:

“Instead of KL Rahul, India should play Nitish Kumar Reddy. He is a fantastic cricketer, can score quickly, and is a very good fielder. KL Rahul has been under a lot of pressure. Now that India has selected Nitish, I hope they give him a chance from the first match itself.”

Kaneria’s view represents a call for change and emphasizes the need for fresh talent in India’s batting lineup. The inclusion of a player like Reddy would shift the balance of the team, offering India a player who could perform under challenging conditions.

 

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The Challenges of Playing in Australia

  • Australia’s pitches are known for their pace and bounce, conditions that can challenge subcontinent players who are used to lower and slower surfaces.
  • Reddy’s seam-bowling could add an extra layer to India’s attack, especially if he adapts well to the conditions. Playing in Perth, a venue with one of the fastest pitches in the world, Reddy’s medium pace could be particularly effective.
  • Furthermore, his ability to rotate the strike and score quickly might be advantageous against Australia’s formidable bowling lineup, including the likes of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
  • His fielding skills, noted by Kaneria, would also be an asset, given the emphasis on agile and sharp fielding in modern Test cricket.
  • India has enjoyed significant success in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy over recent years, winning the last two series held in Australia.
  • A third consecutive series win would be historic and solidify India’s dominance in Test cricket. The Indian team management faces the task of finding the right combination to counter Australia’s strengths, and incorporating Reddy’s all-round capabilities could be a key move.
  • With Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Cheteshwar Pujara anchoring the lineup, Reddy could provide flexibility, adding depth to the batting and providing an extra bowling option.
  • This multidimensional role could relieve pressure from other bowlers and allow India to optimize their attack against Australia’s top-order batsmen.
Danish Kaneria
Danish Kaneria

Danish Kaneria: Importance of Recognizing and Rewarding Talent

Danish Kaneria’s support for Reddy also highlights a broader trend within cricket: the importance of recognizing and nurturing young talent.

In a high-stakes series like the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, backing an emerging player like Reddy could encourage other young cricketers and demonstrate India’s commitment to growth and innovation in the sport.

By urging the Indian selectors to prioritize merit over experience, Kaneria advocates for a system where young players are not overlooked in favor of established names. This approach is increasingly visible in cricket, as teams strive to maintain a balance of experience and youth.

The Risk of Excluding KL Rahul: Could Experience Triumph Over Form?

Despite Kaneria’s compelling argument, leaving out KL Rahul from the XI would be a bold move. Rahul has shown flashes of brilliance and has played crucial innings in difficult conditions, including in overseas series.

His experience, particularly in handling the psychological and technical challenges of playing in Australia, is something that cannot be discounted.

Rahul’s form may be inconsistent, but his potential to score big and anchor the innings is undeniable. For India, the decision to select Reddy over Rahul might hinge on the team’s immediate needs and the specific demands of Australian pitches.

However, choosing between an experienced player struggling with form and a promising debutant is a perennial challenge in team selection.

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  1. thecricketlounge
  2. timesofindia.indiatimes
  3. freepressjournal
Kankana Biswas
Kankana Biswas

I'm a strategic journalism graduate with expertise on socio-political issues, business, and finance. I'm a self-made entrepreneur, and have contributed to various news/media outlets since 2015. I also received degree of journalism from the Delhi College of Arts and Commerce.

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