Rohit Sharma dropped enough hints that he would be back to his usual role of opening the innings during their first practice session at the Gabba in Brisbane on Thursday.

The India captain batted at No.6 in the second Test in Adelaide and made only 3 and 6 as Australia bounced back after the Perth debacle to square the series 1-1. It was Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul’s inspirational performance in the first Test that forced the team management to continue with them as openers.

But Rohit’s struggles have already forced a rethink in plans with former captains like Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri suggesting that he should return to his opening role. Even Ricky Ponting expressed similar views.

“I know that KL and Jaiswal had a 200-run partnership in Perth and they had played well, but he’s (Rohit) your captain. He’s one of your most experienced players.

“You want to be sending him out at the top in his normal role. So that’s something they might think about,” the former Australia captain said on the ICC Review.

Rohit faced the new ball in the nets for some time on Thursday before engaging in a long chat with head coach Gautam Gambhir. Rohit looked in far better shape with the red ball following his struggles against lateral movement in the pink-ball Test.

The wicket has a decent grass cover and has always been one of the most traditional Australian wickets with both seam and bounce on offer. Rohit’s susceptibility has been against the moving deliveries more than bounce and it would be interesting
to see how he takes on the challenge.

The 37-year-old has had a lean phase with the bat in his last 12 Test innings,
10 of which came during India’s home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, compiling 142 runs, averaging 11.83.

Before nets, Virat Kohli was the centre of attraction in the team huddle. With vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah by his side, Kohli was seen speaking animatedly to the group and everyone, including Rohit, listened to him with rapt attention.

Bumrah put to rest doubts over his fitness and bowled at full tilt to Rohit and Kohli.

Harshit Rana’s place in the playing XI remains a matter of debate as Akash Deep continues to impress in the nets. While there is talk that Rana deserves a second chance with the red ball after his impressive debut in Perth, Akash has more experience and the conditions could suit his style.

Even Ravichandran Ashwin’s role is under the scanner. He hardly made a mark in Adelaide and both Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar looked in good touch.

There is forecast of rain for most of the five days in Brisbane and that could play a role in deciding the final XI.

With inputs from PTI