AUS vs IND: ‘Rohit Sharma disturbed the openers in Melbourne,’ says Sanjay Manjrekar on India batting order

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has criticized India skipper Rohit Sharma’s decision to open the batting in the ongoing Melbourne Test against Australia, arguing that it disrupted the established batting order and negatively impacted the team’s performance. Manjrekar pointed out that Rohit’s decision to promote himself to the opening slot disturbed the chemistry of the in-form duo, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had opened for India in the first three Tests of the series.

Rahul and Jaiswal showed glimpses of promise as openers in Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane, but their rhythm was interrupted when Rohit returned to the top of the order. While commentating the match on Star Sports, Manjrekar emphasised that this tactical shift backfired as Rohit managed just 3 runs in his return to the role. In contrast, Rahul and Jaiswal displayed greater stability, scoring 24 and 82 runs, respectively, in the first innings.

Melbourne Test, Day 2: Highlights

“When you play well against Australia, you are respected a lot. KL Rahul, who has been India’s best batter in this series, has scored runs at the top, put on a record stand as well. India moved him out of his preferred position just so that Rohit Sharma can get an opportunity to return to form This is the wrong way of thinking,” Sanjay Manjrekar said on Star Sports during commentary

“Rohit Sharma had said in the press conference that he does not wish to disturb the positions of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. But, when the match began, he certainly disturbed it,” he added.

India’s bowling unit once again shouldered the responsibility of containing Australia, with Jasprit Bumrah delivering a stellar 4/99 spell and Ravindra Jadeja contributing 3/78. Despite their efforts, Australia posted a formidable 474, leaving India’s batting lineup with a daunting task.

Rohit’s early exit placed additional pressure on Rahul and Jaiswal. After Rahul was dismissed by Pat Cummins, Jaiswal formed a crucial 102-run partnership with Virat Kohli. However, their efforts were undone by a disastrous mix-up that led to Jaiswal’s run-out on 82. The dismissal marked a turning point, with Kohli falling soon after for 32, edging a delivery outside off stump to the wicketkeeper—a recurring issue in his recent form.

India’s batting woes deepened as nightwatchman Akash Deep failed to contribute, departing for a duck. At stumps on Day 2, India found themselves in a precarious position at 156/5, still trailing Australia by 310 runs. The onus now lies on Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja, the unbeaten batsmen at the crease, to mount a recovery on Day 3.

With the series on the line, Manjrekar’s criticism underscores the challenges India faces in striking the right balance and overcoming key tactical missteps.