India vs Australia, 4th Test: Who should replace Rohit Sharma at Sydney?

Consequences of Rohit Sharma’s absence

Kohli will miss Rohit for many reasons

Sitting on the lead approach

After their win at Melbourne, India take a 2-1 lead with one match to go. This has never happened in India’s previous 12 tours of Australia. Now, Australia are under pressure to save the series at Sydney and deny India of their first series win in Australia.

Kohli would ideally love to sit on the precious lead by strengthening his batting. Compared to other venues in Australia, in Sydney, at times, the weather might be a bit dodgy. In the circumstances, Kohli might be tempted to pack the team with batsmen and play out for a draw. Now, the absence of Rohit Sharma has thrown that option out of the window.

5 bowlers one too many

Though Ashwin is the best replacement for Rohit Sharma in the present circumstances, the presence of five regular bowlers might force Kohli to under-bowl one of the bowlers besides weakening the batting.

Insurance against losing the toss

The additional batsman is insurance against losing the toss and batting second. In such a scenario, the extra batsman in the middle-order could come in handy, if not to win, at least to play for a draw.

To sum up, the absence of Rohit Sharma would certainly upset the team composition for the New Year Test at Sydney.

Follow Sportskeeda for all latest cricket news, scores, playing XI, match predictions, fantasy tips & stats.