Former Indian opener turned commentator Sunil Gavaskar picked Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal as his Openeing pair choice , demoting Shubman Gill at no.5, for the 3rd test match between India and Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground.
“I would be keeping Mayank Agarwal. I know he’s not looked good but he’s a quality player. I would keep him in the side and open the batting with Rohit,” Gavaskar told Sanjay Manjrekar in an interview on sony sports Network.
Rohit Sharma joined the India squad in Melbourne on Wednesday after completing his two week quarantine. The opening batsman's inclusion in the squad will be a big boost for the visitors. However, one player will have to make way for Rohit in the playing XI. Gavaskar feels Shubman Gill should bat at no.5 after Rohit comes in and Hanuma Vihari should be dropped for the third Test.
"Despite the fact that Shubman Gill has looked so good at the top, I’d look to bat him at No.5. I’m not too sure, that with his approach he would be too successful at the opening position also at the U19 level he was batting down the order so I think for Shubman Gill no.5 would be the ideal position. The rest of the team should remain same and obviously if Gill bats at five, Vihari goes out automatically,” Gavaskar added.
Gill came in place of opener Prithvi Shaw in the second Test and impressed in both innings of India’s victory with scores of 45 and 35 not out. Fellow opener Mayank Agarwal had forgettable outings so far in the two Tests but Gavaskar said he should be given another chance.
