skipper Ajinkya Rahane, on Wednesday, said Rohit Sharma has been batting really well in the nets and he would bat at the top of the innings in the Pink Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Rahane's remark came as India gets ready to lock horns with Australia in the third Test at the SCG from Thursday. There has been speculation as to who Rohit will replace in the Playing XI in the third Test.
"Firstly, we all are excited to have Rohit back, his experience at the highest level matters a lot. He is batting really well in the nets, he has had 7-8 sessions, he started practicing in Melbourne as soon as he arrived there after the end of the second Test," Rahane said at a virtual press conference on Wednesday.
"He has been batting really well, the last couple of series, he has been playing as an opener, so you will definitely see him batting at the top," Rahane added.
Ahead of the third Test against Australia, Rohit was also named the team's vice-captain.
T Natarajan was added to the Test squad for the remaining two Tests against Australia. The left-arm pacer replaced Umesh Yadav, who sustained a strain in his left calf muscle on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
"Umesh is our main bowler, he has been doing well for us, it's unfortunate that he got injured, we will definitely miss him, but it gives an opportunity to other guys to do well at the highest level," the skipper said.
"Jasprit and Ashwin have been great for us, it's about an entire bowling unit, I am really happy for Siraj with the way he bowled in the second Test, with Umesh getting injured in the second innings, Siraj really stood up," Rahane added.
Australia has scored 200 just once in the first two Tests. Even the hosts have acknowledged that the plans of the visitors have been top-notch. Ravichandran Ashwin has got a hold on Steve Smith as the off-spinner has dismissed the batsman twice in the series.
"As a team, you have 3-4 plans and you have to see which plan can work on the given day, if plan A doesn't work, then we go to other plans," Rahane said.
"Australia is a very dangerous team so you have to be prepared, depending on the situation and wickets, we plan the stuff," the captain added.
"The thing with Ashwin, his knowledge, he is always looking to learn some new skills and that's what matters a lot," Rahane said, adding, "really happy to see Ashwin bowling this well, let's hope he continues his form in the next two Tests as well."
