India vs Australia: VVS Laxman feels Mayank Agarwal should make way for Rohit Sharma for Sydney Test

India vs Australia: VVS Laxman feels Mayank Agarwal should make way for Rohit Sharma for Sydney Test

Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal

Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal
Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal

India vice-captain Rohit Sharma has been in the news over the last two months for all the reasons, good and bad. First, it was his injury during the Indian Premier League which was followed by a period of uncertainty over his availability for the Australia tour. And to top it all off, Rohit found himself in the middle of a storm about an alleged bio bubble breach. None the less, the Mumbai batter has put all the ruckus behind him as he gears of return in Indian colours after nearly a year.

And VVS Laxman feels that struggling opener Mayank Agarwal should make way for him in the third Test. Laxman stresses on Rohit’s red ball form during the home series as he backs him to open at the SCG. The ongoing Test series is levelled after the Boxing Day Test and much will depend on how the Sydney Test unfolds.

“Well, Yeah! Definitely one of the batsmen has to miss out, probably Rohit Sharma will come in place of Mayank Agarwal. Because Rohit, since the South Africa series has been a regular opener. And he has a tremendous record, as an opening batsman,” said Laxman on Star Sports show Cricket Connected.

“I think The Indian cricket team will be very pleased to have Rohit Sharma back. Especially when Virat is not there, you want more experience in the Indian dressing room. Because now is the perfect opportunity for us to go 2-1 in Sydney and then probably win 3-1,” he added.

His batting style is very suited for Australian wickets

Rohit Sharma

Rohit enjoys a tremendous record Down Under and Laxman asserts that his batting style suits the fast and bouncy tracks in Australia. The former India international adds that if Rohit is able to survive Australia’s deadly opening spell with the new ball, he will definitely go on to score big. With India’s newfound Test opener Shubman Gill looking solid, this opening duo is India’s best bet against a fiery Aussie new ball attack.

“Rohit Sharma himself would like to showcase his talent because I always feel that his style of batting and talent is very suited for the Australian wicket,” said Laxman.

“So, if he gets his eye in, if he sees through the new ball, I’m sure that a big hundred is on the cards as far as Rohit’s batting is concerned,” he added.

While Rohit’s inclusion in the XI is confirmed with him being named the vice-captain of the Test side, it will interesting to see who will make way for him. It is highly likely that Agarwal might walk out alongside Rohit to open in Sydney. And if it happens, Gill will have slip into the middle order despite impressive performance on debut. And Hanuma Vihari will be the one facing the axe. Given India’s abundance of batting options, it will be interesting to see who will make the cut for the Pink Test in Sydney.

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