Rohit Sharma Should Bat Down the Order and Should Let Rahul Open the Batting - Brad Hogg, A Criczop Exclusive

Brad Hogg’s Bold Suggestion for India's Top Order: KL Rahul Over Rohit Sharma, A Game-Changer for the Pink Ball Test in Adelaide

In a recent interview with a Criczop writer, Brad Hogg expressed his thoughts on India's top-order combination, particularly focusing on KL Rahul's adaptability and performance as an opener. With Rohit Sharma missing the first Test due to personal reasons, Rahul stepped up. He delivered a comfortable knock at the top of the order, impressing everyone with his ability to adjust to the circumstances. Hogg, after witnessing Rahul's resilience, suggested that he would prefer Rahul to continue at the top of the order, with Rohit Sharma coming in at number 5.

Hogg’s viewpoint was echoed by the Criczop writer, who also pointed out that Rahul seemed more comfortable against the new ball than Rohit, who has struggled with consistency in recent tests, particularly at the top. The writer went on to criticize Rohit’s underwhelming performance against the Prime Minister’s XI, suggesting that moving Rohit down to number 5 could help the team maintain its momentum. However, both agreed that for India to continue their dominance, they must stick with the current lineup, and Rohit could thrive when he comes in at number 5, where the ball would be older and conditions more suited to his style.

Brad Hogg also took a moment to praise Nitish Kumar Reddy’s performance in the first Test, especially his stunning straight drive against Josh Hazelwood. Hogg described the shot as one of the finest he's seen in recent times. With Rohit batting lower down the order, it could provide additional support to Reddy, an emerging talent. Hogg believes that Reddy will benefit from the experience of having a seasoned campaigner like Rohit at number 5, which will allow him to build partnerships and stabilize the innings.

In summary, Hogg’s ideal lineup involves Rahul opening the innings and Rohit at number 5, to maintain the team's balance without disrupting the ongoing momentum. As India prepares for the Pink Ball Test in Adelaide, the question arises: 

Brad Hogg India’s Starting 11 for the Pink Ball Test: 

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma(c), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Rishabh Pant(wk), Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana

Will this lineup work in their favor, or will Australia’s dominant record in Pink Ball Tests prove too tough to handle? Australia has won 11 out of 12 Pink Ball Tests, with only one drawn match, making them formidable opponents in this format.