'That’s where he’s been at his best' - Ravi Shastri opines about 'perfect' position for Rohit Sharma in Border Gavaskar Trophy

There have already been a lot of discussions, opinions and comments on the batting position of the Indian skipper Rohit Sharma for the upcoming third Test against Australia in Brisbane. Notably, it was Sharma who opted to sacrifice his ‘opening slot’ for the veteran batter KL Rahul who enjoyed a decent batting run in the first Test against the Aussies.

Recalling Rohit’s decision to demote himself to the middle order in the Adelaide Test, it eventually happened to backfire him as he failed to live up to his stature in both innings of the match.

That’s the place that’s best for Rohit Sharma - Ravi Shastri

After a lot of opinions from almost all corners, former India all-rounder and now commentator, Ravi Shastri has also joined the bandwagon. Shastri categorically spoke about the ‘perfect’ batting position for Rohit Sharma in the Brisbane Test starting on Saturday, which is going to be a must-win and an all-important clash for India’s WTC 2025 campaign. 

“(Opening) 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. And India must get their judgment right here, because 1-1 in the series, this is the moving Test match,” Shastri was quoted as saying by Sydney Morning Herald.

Interestingly, Rohit Sharma has batted only at the top in 64 Tests out of his 113 Test innings and he has a decent batting average of 44, hitting nine centuries while batting at the top.

Coming back to Ravi Shastri, he also went on to make a bold prediction about the potential winner of the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between Australia and India. The 62-year-old felt that the winner of the Brisbane Test would be the eventual title holder for the current edition of the BGT. 
“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 have got the confidence back,” he said.