The recently concluded ODI series against West Indies served as an audition for Team India to assess their middle-order options for the upcoming Asia Cup. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli rested, the focus shifted to their backup players. Ishan Kishan seized the opportunity and impressed with three consecutive half-centuries, earning him the Player of the Series award.
As discussions about the middle-order continue, there's speculation about Rohit Sharma potentially batting at No.4. The Indian captain has previous experience in this position, having played 26 ODIs at No.4 between 2008 and 2012, scoring 715 runs at an average of 31.09, including two centuries and three half-centuries.
Rohit Sharma has also showcased his versatility in the IPL, batting at No.4 for Mumbai Indians and amassing 2392 runs with 19 half-centuries from 86 innings. He has demonstrated the ability to rotate the strike and play big shots when needed.
In case Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul are unavailable for the Asia Cup, playing Rohit at No.4 could allow India to give Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill the opportunity to open the innings. With the experienced Virat Kohli at No.3 and Rohit Sharma at No.4, the middle-order could become more stable.
However, it's worth considering that Ishan Kishan's record at No.4 is less impressive, with just 121 runs from six innings at an average of 21.20. He has a much higher average of nearly 71 as an opener, which might tempt the team management to retain him in that position.
Moreover, Rohit Sharma's numbers as an opener are sensational, with 7807 runs in 156 ODI innings at an outstanding average of almost 56, including 35 half-centuries and 28 centuries. Given such remarkable statistics, it begs the question of whether pushing him down the order to accommodate Ishan Kishan is the best decision.
Sanju Samson has also presented a strong case for the middle-order with his half-century at No.4 in the third ODI against West Indies and an impressive average of 52 at No.5. This has led to the suggestion that Samson could play as a wicketkeeper, with Rohit Sharma opening and Ishan Kishan retaining his position at the top.
As India explores various options, the debate about Rohit Sharma's role in the middle-order intensifies, making it a crucial aspect to consider ahead of the Asia Cup.
