The second day of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne saw a light-hearted moment amidst the intense battle between India and Australia when Nathan Lyon cheekily questioned KL Rahul’s demotion in the batting order.
Lyon asked Rahul, “What did you do wrong to bat one down?” after the Indian batter arrived at the crease in the second session.
Rahul, who has been India’s most consistent batter on the tour, was surprisingly pushed to No. 3 to accommodate captain Rohit Sharma as an opener—a move that raised eyebrows given Rahul’s recent form and solid technique against the Australian attack.
KL Rahul Shines While Rohit Struggles
Rahul’s performances as an opener had been a bright spot for India on this tour. His compact technique and clear strategy against Australia’s formidable pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood had drawn widespread praise.
However, the decision to reinstate Rohit Sharma at the top—a role where he had previously excelled but has recently struggled—led to Rahul’s demotion.
The gamble backfired almost immediately as Rohit’s lean patch continued. The Indian captain, who had a dismal run of form since September, lasted just five deliveries before being dismissed for 3 runs in the second over of the innings.
His loose shot further compounded India’s batting woes and reignited questions about his position in the lineup.
KL Rahul, despite being moved down, looked composed during his stay at the crease. However, he fell victim to an unplayable delivery from Pat Cummins just before the Tea break, ending hopes of a big innings from India’s most dependable batter on the tour.
Questions Over Rohit’s Place
Rohit’s persistent struggles have left the Indian team management in a tough spot. The move to push Rahul down the order, despite his stellar performances as an opener, has sparked criticism. Many believe that Rahul’s consistency and adaptability make him the ideal candidate to open the innings, and his displacement to accommodate an out-of-form captain seems unjustified.
India’s decision-makers now face a critical question: how long can they persist with Rohit’s current form? With the series on the line, a return to a stable and effective batting order is imperative. KL Rahul, who has proven his mettle at the top, might be the key to restoring balance in the lineup.
Nathan Lyon’s humorous jab might have been made in jest, but it shows the larger debate surrounding India’s batting strategy—a debate that could shape the remainder of the series.
