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India's batting lineup is facing uncertainty ahead of the second Test against Australia in Adelaide, a situation made even more complex after the pink-ball warm-up match at the Manuka Oval in Canberra on Sunday. While captain Rohit Sharma returns to the squad after missing the first Test due to personal commitments, his ideal batting position remains unclear.

Rohit had stayed behind in Mumbai for the birth of his second child and rejoined the team only during the warm-up match against the Australia Prime Minister's XI. Shubman Gill, who was sidelined from the opening Test due to a thumb injury, also made a comeback, scoring an impressive half-century before retiring not out. However, Rohit, batting at No. 4 in the warm-up game, had a less-than-ideal outing.

The 37-year-old looked tentative against deliveries outside the off stump, reminiscent of his early Test struggles before his successful shift to opening the batting during India’s 2021 tour of England. He was eventually dismissed for a duck after chasing a delivery outside of Charlie Anderson, only to edge it to first slip.

While it’s too early to judge his form based on one brief innings, it has raised questions about his place in the batting order, particularly with India's top order looking solid. 

THE CASE FOR NO. 6

In light of the batting concerns, former national selector Devang Gandhi has suggested that Rohit return to the middle-order position for the Adelaide Test, ideally at No. 6. This would allow India to maintain a balanced left-right batting combination, with Rishabh Pant already settled in at No. 5.

Gandhi argued that while it's challenging for a middle-order batsman to transition into an opener later in their career, it’s far easier for an opener like Rohit to adapt to the middle order. "Rohit started his international career at No. 6, so moving back to this position should not be a problem for him," Gandhi said Times of India. 

Rohit's last appearance at No. 6 came during the 2018/19 Australia tour, where he scored 37, 1, 63* and 5 in the two Tests in Melbourne and Adelaide. His experience in the middle order, combined with his versatility, could help India shore up its batting lineup, especially with the ongoing form concerns surrounding the middle order.

As India prepares for the challenge in Adelaide, the focus remains on stabilizing their batting order, and for many, Rohit’s return to No. 6 could be a crucial step toward resolving their conundrum.