AUS vs IND: Rahul should bat at No.3 if Rohit Sharma wants to open, says Pujara

Veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara reckons in-form KL Rahul should bat at No.3 if captain Rohit Sharma wants to open in the second Test against Australia. Rahul was impressive in India's 295-run win over Australia at Perth.

In Short

• Pujara suggests KL Rahul to bat at No. 3 if Rohit opens in the second Test
• Rahul's adaptability shown with scores of 26 and 77 in the first Test
• Pujara advocates for an unchanged bowling line-up for the Adelaide Test

Veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara has suggested that KL Rahul should bat at No. 3 if skipper Rohit Sharma decides to open in the second Test against Australia at Adelaide, starting December 6. Pujara highlighted the importance of maintaining a balanced batting order following India's emphatic 295-run victory at Perth.

"I think, for some reason, if we can carry on with the same batting order like KL and Yashasvi to open, Rohit could come in at three, and Shubman could come in at five. If Rohit wants to open, KL should bat at No. 3. Nothing later than that. I think he has to bat top of the order because it suits his game really well. I hope we don't tinker around with that," Pujara told ESPNCricinfo on Thursday.

Rahul showcased his adaptability in the first Test, scoring 26 and 77 in Rohit's absence. With Yashasvi Jaiswal cementing his place as an opener, Pujara believes India has the flexibility to adjust its batting lineup, depending on Rohit's position.

Pujara also emphasized the value of having Shubman Gill bat at No. 5, especially if the star batter recovers in time for the second Test. "Ideally No. 5. Because it allows him to come in at a time, even if we lose two wickets early, he is someone who can negotiate the new ball. But if he walks in after, say, 25 or 30 overs, he can play his shots. He can play his natural game."

UNCHANGED BOWLING LINE-UP FOR ADELAIDE?

When discussing the bowling combination for the pink-ball Test, Pujara advocated sticking with the current attack, which delivered significant success in Perth. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, debutant Harshit Rana, and Washington Sundar impressed with their performances.

"There is no question about it. This bowling attack has given us success. (Jasprit) Bumrah looked really good." "(Mohammed) Siraj was very good. And then it was supported by Harshit. He bowled really well, you have to accept that. He was playing his first game (for India), but still, he ended up pitching the ball up."

"In Australia, it's very easy to get carried away and sometimes when you look at the pace of the pitch, it offers a bit more extra bounce. But he was still looking to hit the right spot, good length, try and hit the top of off, and he has that ability."

Pujara also backed Washington Sundar over Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, citing Sundar's all-round capabilities as a crucial asset.

"Washington can bat well, which could be vital if the lower-middle order needs to contribute. Although he started slow with the ball, he improved and took a couple of key wickets," Pujara noted.

India will prepare for the Adelaide Test with a two-day practice match against the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra. With momentum on their side, Pujara's suggestions could help India fine-tune their strategy for a challenging pink-ball encounter.