December 4, 2024: Former cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has backed KL Rahul to continue opening the batting for India, even with the return of Rohit Sharma, emphasizing that decisions should be based on “common sense” and “current reality” rather than seniority or past reputation.
Manjrekar’s comments come after Rahul, alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, put up a record-breaking performance in Perth against Australia’s pace trio of Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc.
In the second innings of the Test, Rahul and Jaiswal combined for the first-ever 200-plus opening partnership in Australia—a remarkable achievement given the intimidating conditions and the quality of the Australian bowling attack. While Jaiswal starred with a scintillating 161, Rahul’s measured and composed approach allowed his partner to play with freedom, highlighting his adaptability and value at the top of the order.
With Rohit Sharma set to return for the Adelaide Test, there has been speculation about India’s batting order, particularly given his recent appearances in the middle order during warm-up matches. However, Manjrekar believes that maintaining Rahul at the top would be the logical choice, given his and the team’s recent form.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Manjrekar said: “It makes a lot of sense. Just imagine, the first-ever 200-plus partnership for the opening wicket in Australia, and we saw the result as well. I doubt this team management, which is making decisions based on cricketing logic and current form—like picking Washington Sundar over Jadeja and Ashwin—will revert to prioritising seniority and iconic status at the top.”
Manjrekar emphasized that the current team management has shown a clear preference for selecting players based on form rather than seniority. He pointed out that the team has been willing to make bold calls, such as selecting Washington Sundar ahead of senior bowlers like Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, which reflects the emphasis on “cricketing logic” and current performance. He concluded by saying, “They will go by common sense and current reality. I think the right move is to capitalise on the gains from the second innings.”
As the second Test, a day-night affair, approaches this Friday, the debate about India’s playing XI is expected to be resolved soon. India has been in excellent form, having won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener against Australia and followed it up with a commanding performance against the Prime Minister’s XI in a two-day warm-up match in Canberra.
The discussions around India’s batting order will continue, but with Rahul’s excellent form in the opening position, many, including Manjrekar, feel it would be a wise decision to persist with him at the top alongside Jaiswal.
