Veteran India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has voiced his support for KL Rahul to remain in India's top order, even when regular skipper Rohit Sharma returns. Pujara highlighted Rahul’s strong form in the first Test at Perth, where India secured a commanding 295-run victory against Australia to go 1-0 up in the five-match series.

KL Rahul’s Crucial Knock in Perth

Opening in place of the absent Rohit Sharma, Rahul scored an impressive 77 runs from 176 balls, sharing a 201-run partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the second innings. India's formidable total of 487/6d set Australia a challenging target of 534. Pujara believes Rahul's performance solidifies his position at the top of the order, emphasizing that his game thrives in these situations.

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Pujara said, “For some reason, if we can carry on with the same batting order like KL and Yashasvi to open, Rohit could come in at three, and Shubman Gill could come in at five. If Rohit wants to open, KL Rahul should bat at No. 3. Nothing later than that. I think he has to bat at the top of the order because it suits his game really well.”

Pujara’s Proposed Batting Order for the Pink-Ball Test

With the pink-ball Test against Australia starting on December 6 at the Adelaide Oval, Pujara suggested a revised batting order to ensure India’s middle order remains strong. He proposed that Gill bat at No. 5 and Rishabh Pant slot in at No. 6 to avoid the risk of facing the new ball.

“Ideally, No. 5 allows Shubman to come in when, even if we lose two wickets early, he is someone who can negotiate the new ball. If he walks in after 25 or 30 overs, he can play his shots and his natural game,” Pujara explained. “Pant doesn’t have to face the new ball. I wouldn’t want him to walk in to bat when the ball is hard and new.”