Shastri urges Rohit Sharma to set the tone for series with a strong start in Brisbane

The recent loss suffered by Team India against Australia in the second Test of the series has prompted former India coach Ravi Shastri to emphasize the importance of a balanced playing XI for the team to bounce back in Brisbane. Shastri's analysis has honed in on Rohit Sharma's batting position, noting that the Indian captain's optimal position is at the top of the order despite him batting in the middle-order during the second Test.

During an event in Brisbane, the venue for the third Test, Shastri stated that the side can get the best out of Rohit if he bats at the opening spot.

“That’s where he’s been at his best over the last eight or nine years,” Shastri said. “It’s not that he’s going to set the world on fire – he could – but that’s the place that’s best for him. To lead from the front," Shastri said, as quoted by WA Today.

“If he has to do damage, if he has to throw the first punch, that’s the best place from where he can do it. And it is important that India get their judgment right here, because 1-1 in the series, this is the moving Test match."

Rohit has been enduring a rough patch in the longest format of the game, and the Adelaide Test saw the Indian captain failing to breach double figures. In the two innings, Rohit scored 3 and 6, respectively.

Shastri further mentioned that the Test at Gabba will set the tone of the series, indicating that whichever team will win the Brisbane Test will eventually lift the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

“I feel whichever team wins this Test match will win the series. I have absolutely no doubt in my mind. So it is very, very important that India get the balance right, because Australia have got the confidence back,” said Shastri.

India arrive in Brisbane with happy memories at the venue from the previous tour; the side defeated Australia in the final Test at the Gabba at the time, clinching the series 2-1. It was also Australia's first Test defeat at the venue since 1989.