India made a clean sweep over West Indies in the recently-concluded Test series and earned 120 points in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship. But, the performance of the openers seems to be low while it went on with the impressive play of the bowlers as well as the middle-order batsman.
The fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami gave a tough time to Windies batsman. Indian bowlers had a ball of time where Bumrah ended with a five-wicket haul and a match-winning hat-trick from Shami and lets not forget Ishant’s amazing spell. The middle-order batting was amazing with Rahane and Hanuma Vihari scoring big runs, but the major disappointment was opener KL Rahul’s ongoing inconsistent form.
He seems to find ways to get dismissed, despite trying to change his technique. Looking on to it Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly feels that it is high time to replace Rohit Sharma as the opener instead of KL Rahul in the Test cricket.
“I had suggested earlier about trying Rohit Sharma as an opener in Test cricket and I still believe that he needs to be given an opportunity because he is too good a player to be left out in the cold,” – Sourav Ganguly said.
Ganguly believed on to the consistency maintained by Hanuma Vihari and Ajinkya Rahane and feels that there is no question of making any changes to the middle order but has to be looked into the top-order.
“After a fantastic World Cup, I believe he will be itching to grab the opportunity to open in Tests. With Ajinkya Rahane and Hanuma Vihari settling in nicely, there is not much left to play around in the middle order,” – Ganguly added.
KL Rahul who has got an opportunity to play at the top order couldn’t put forth his position on to the mark which has convinced Ganguly to have a change.
“The opening still remains an area to work on. Mayank Agarwal looks good but will need a few more opportunities. His partner KL Rahul, though, has flattered to deceive and that creates an opening at the top,” – Sourav Ganguly said.
Further, India is going to have a clash with South Africa in the home series and this could be the last chance for KL Rahul to hit his stride and make a consistency at the top of the order.
