Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has weighed in on India’s Test lineup ahead of the upcoming five-match series against England, suggesting strategic changes to accommodate the recent retirements of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Ponting’s Recommendations:
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Shubman Gill at No. 4: Ponting advocates for newly appointed captain Shubman Gill to occupy the pivotal No. 4 batting position, previously held by Kohli. He believes this move would alleviate the pressures of opening or batting at No. 3, allowing Gill to focus more effectively on his leadership responsibilities.
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KL Rahul in the Middle Order: Despite KL Rahul’s recent century while opening for India A against the England Lions, Ponting suggests that Rahul should not open in the Test series. Instead, he recommends positioning Rahul at No. 3, leveraging his experience to stabilize the top order.
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Young Openers: Ponting proposes that Sai Sudharsan and Yashasvi Jaiswal take on the opening roles. He praises Sudharsan’s technical proficiency and potential at the Test level, indicating confidence in the young duo’s ability to handle the challenges of opening in English conditions.
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These suggestions aim to balance experience and youth in India’s batting lineup, providing stability while fostering the development of emerging talents.
