Twitter reacts as Rohit Sharma replaces Mayank Agarwal in India's playing XI, Navdeep Saini set for Test debut

Rohit Sharma is back at the top of the order for Team India in the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), at the expense of Mayank Agarwal. The 33-year-old is a welcome addition to the visitors' playing XI as they have struggled to find a good opening combination in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Another change for the Indian team is fast bowler Navdeep Saini's inclusion. The 28-year-old is set to make his Test debut at the SCG. He comes into the team in place of Umesh Yadav, who had been ruled out of the remainder of the Test series after pulling his calf muscle in the Boxing Day Test.

While Rohit Sharma's addition was imminent, it might be looked at as slightly harsh on Mayank Agarwal, who has been replaced following poor performances in just two Tests.

The 29-year-old had been India's premier Test opener for the past couple of years and had recently completed 1000 runs in Test cricket.

However, young Shubman Gill showed a lot of promise in his debut Test at the MCG. He wasn't fazed by the big occasion and took on the Australian pacers with confidence. This might have worked in his favor, forcing Agarwal to make way for Rohit Sharma.

Looking at the bowling department, while there were rumors that Shardul Thakur could play as India's third seamer due to his ability to swing the ball, the team management have placed their bet on Saini. His extra pace might have given him an edge over Thakur and T Natarajan.

With the Test series level at 1-1, Team India will be hopeful that whatever changes they have made end up being successful. The onus is now on Rohit Sharma to prove himself in foreign conditions, and also on Saini to justify his place in Team India's playing XI.

Fans on Twitter reacted to Rohit Sharma replacing Mayank Agarwal

While Twitterati was excited about Rohit Sharma's return to Team India's playing XI, they felt Mayank Agarwal was unlucky to miss out. There were also a lot of good wishes for Saini on his Test debut. Here is what the fans had to say:

I would go for shardul with his first class experience and ability to move the ball in the air in contrast with saini who hit the deck hard (hopefully he do his best)Harsh on Mayank but at the same time excited for Rohit to do well in White ball.#indvsaus

— GOHIL PRATIPALSINH (@pygohil_007) January 6, 2021

Mayank is unlucky to sit out, but it is obvious after rohit walks into team. Onus on to hanuma to make it count. Rohit also will be under pressure to perform.His maturity as a player should over come the pressure. Overall well balanced attacking team.#IndvsAus

— Cricketumpire (@passionateumps) January 6, 2021

Christmas Present to AustraliaNavdeep Saini to make Test Debut in Sydney.Hope he proves me wrong#AUSvIND #INDvAUS #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/1cYql43kZ0

— Thunder Downunder ♞ (@TheYorkerBall) January 6, 2021

Player who have been dropped/compromised for rohit in tests1) pujara (2014 Sydney test)2) pujara ( 2016 wi test)3) rahane ( 2018 sa series)4) Gill ( 2019 sa series)5) agarwal (2021 aus test)Let's see how it goes this time @vikrantgupta73 @manoj_dimri #indvsAus #Sportstak

— $$Ballebaj$$ (@crimemaster_10) January 6, 2021

4 out of the 5 players who were in controversy related to breach of protocols have been included in the playing XI for the Sydney test. They are- Rohit Sharma, Shubhman Gill, Rishabh Pant and Navdeep Saini.Only one left out is - Prithvi Shaw (as expected)#IndvsAus

— CHAK DE INDIA🇮🇳 (@chakkdeindia) January 6, 2021

Big moment for @navdeepsaini96 - from tennis ball cricket in Karnal to playing Test crickrt! Well done Navdeep and well done @GautamGambhir for seeing the talent in him and then fighting with selectors to make him play for Delhi #IndvsAus

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) January 6, 2021

Declaring a team a day in advance is like sending out the question paper a day before the exam. The Aussies will prepare well, as they only have to plan and study these 11 players now. High chances that they would pass with good marks! 😆 #indvsaus

— Gaurav Sahani (@Happypaji07) January 6, 2021

Rohit makes his much awaited comeback.. 😍😍Saini comes in for Umesh YadavI was expecting Shardul thakur to get a chance ahead of Saini as he can bat a little n also swing the ball both ways. Anyhow let's hope for the best.#BleedBlue #IndvsAus https://t.co/dhjusNefUw

— saad khatri (@saadkhatri16) January 6, 2021

Welcome back, Rohit Sharma into Test cricket.It was bit harsh on Mayank Agarwal but someone has to make a way for Rohit Sharma and the recent form in this series backfired for Mayank#IndvsAus #AusvInd #ICC

— Cricket Biryani (@CricketBiryani) January 6, 2021

Excited & counting high on @ImRo45 to score big at SCG. If he delivers, India will be in the driving from that very moment. #indvsaus #IndiavsAustralia #BorderGavaskarTrophy @cricbuzz

— rishabh jain (@rishabhjain08) January 6, 2021