In Rohit Sharma’s absence from first BGT Test, Anil Kumble advises that India open with KL Rahul rather than Shubman Gill

KL Rahul should start the batting during the Perth Test, according to Anil Kumble, a former India cricket player and national team coach who had a different viewpoint.

The cricket community has been discussing who the other opener would be to partner Yashasvi Jaiswal after rumours surfaced that Rohit Sharma would not be playing in India’s first Test match against Australia, which is set to start on November 22. Shubman Gill has been recommended by a prominent group to be moved up the order, particularly as he has already opened the batting for India in 17 of his 27 Test matches to far.

“I’d like not to alter that. The fact that Rohit is unavailable for the first Test makes me aware of the desire to push Shubman Gill. But KL Rahul is always there. Adapting to the team’s desires and embracing change are synonymous with that name. Kumble said, “Rahul Dravid did that, and KL Rahul is doing that now, whether you want to open the batting or keep wickets,” as reported by India Today.

Given the circumstances, he might need to make some minor adjustments: Anil Kumble

Kumble gave examples of Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara, two players with exceptional technical skill who have played some amazing innings for India Down Under. He emphasised the contributions these two made to the team that held them and to the batters who came in after them. Additionally, he clarified the Kookaburra ball and the time frame after which batting in Australia usually becomes easier.

“Only two players have been playing regularly for the past 25 years, and it’s a challenging task. Since Rahul and Cheteshwar both made significant contributions during that time, you realise you need to balance it out. The second ball of the Test match is most likely to be yours, or you may bat much later when the conditions are more favourable.

Since the Kookaburra Ball is known to appear after the first 25 overs, the optimal period to bat is between the 30th and 60th overs. Therefore, you usually get in there to control that first session and see off the new ball. Over the course of their careers, these two batters made sure the team was safe, and the number four-six hitters entered the lineup much later so they could bat and score runs with ease,” Kumble said.

In Australia, Shubman will therefore need to fulfil that position. Depending on the situation, he might need to make certain adjustments. Additionally, he is capable of doing that,” he continued.

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Since the 1991–92 edition, when India toured Australia, this will be the first time the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy has held a five-match Test series.