Anil Kumble has got reservations about having Rohit Sharma as the Test opener

Of late, there has been a lot of debate about India’s Test openers. Ever since Murali Vijay was axed from the squad, there are quite a few players who were tried at this position. The team management, however, seems to back KL Rahul as the first-choice opener along with Mayank Agarwal. However, the 27-year-old has failed to impress thus far despite being given ample opportunities. On the other hand, there have been plenty of demands about trying Rohit Sharma at this position.

After the century KL Rahul scored against England last year, the Karnataka cricketer has struggled to get big scores. Several of his technical flaws were exposed in testing overseas conditions. While former captain Sourav Ganguly wants Rohit Sharma to be tried out, Anil Kumble has got other thoughts. The leg-spinner said that KL Rahul is in a tricky situation. He said Rahul isn’t his usual self and has failed to convert the starts.

Not sure about pushing Rohit Sharma at the top unless it is a desperate situation

“I mean it is a tricky situation that KL is in. KL has done well, like you said he has got starts but not converted them, got out. He has struggled, he looked like I think in the last innings, he looked like he is struggling to get bat on the ball, he was not his usual self,” the leg-spinner said.

Anil Kumble said that the result will be known only when Rohit Sharma is tied as an opener. However, he doesn’t seem to be completely convinced with the choice. Even though the team is in a desperate situation of finding a good opener, he said domestic performances should be considered. Although he termed Rohit Sharma as a quality player, he questioned if he should be pushed at the top.

“You only know when you actually do that. But I am not really sure about pushing Rohit at the top unless it is a desperate situation. Yes, are we in a desperate situation where we are looking for an opener in someone who has done well at the domestic level. Is it worth considering that or should Rohit (open)? Yes, he is a high-quality player sitting on the bench. Should he be pushed at the top?” Anil Kumble questioned while talking to CricketNext.

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