Rohit Sharma should bat at no.6 & not “worry about anything else”, KL Rahul should open: Ravi Shastri

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri threw his weight behind KL Rahul to retain the role of opener while asking Rohit Sharma to bat at no.6 in IND vs AUS Boxing Day Test

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri backed KL Rahul to retain the role of India’s opener in IND vs AUS 4th Test in Melbourne. The Karnataka batter has aced his role in the top-order so far ever since he filled in for Rohit Sharma in the 1st Test in Perth. The Hitman will be aiming to break free from the shackles of poor form, with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at stake.

“KL Rahul should open in IND vs AUS 4th Test”

Speaking with host Sanjana Ganesan on the latest episode of The ICC Review, Ravi Shastri admitted that while he would have wanted Rohit Sharma to open in Brisbane, it was a joy to watch Rahul bat. He threw his weight behind the Karnataka star to retain the role.

“I would have asked him (Rohit) to open in the last Test match but then the way Rahul has batted, I mean he was a joy to watch and the way he’s batting, I believe he struck a purple patch,” Shastri said.

Shastri’s advice for Rohit Sharma

The former head coach further advised the Indian skipper to come out and play fearlessly against the opposition. He emphasised on the need for an attacking mindset to counter the opposition. He also urged Rohit to change his tactics while batting at number six, while noting that he was extremely dangerous down the order.

“I think he’s got to be very clear in his mindset to go out there and take the attack to the opposition and not worry about anything else,” Shastri said.