Gambhir's Advice to Rohit: Consider 'Plan B' after 'Adelaide Failure' as Tough Comeback at 37, Averaging 13 in Last 5 Tests

After missing the series opener in Perth, Rohit was made to settle for the No. 6 spot in the batting line-up. India opted to stick with the opening combination of KL Rahul, who scored a fantastic 77, and his partner, which led to a remarkable 201-run opening partnership in the first Test match.

However, while Rahul continued to look settled at the top of the order, Rohit fumbled as he returned to middle-order duties for the first time in six years. He was trapped LBW by Scott Boland in the first innings, and bowled by an absolute jaffa from Pat Cummins in the second.

Kerry reckoned in the wake of the "double failure in Adelaide," the Indian captain himself and the team management should decide whether his lack of runs was due to lack of form or a change in batting position. He further pointed out that Rohit averaged only 13 in the last five Test matches, comprising just one fifty.

“I think they will pick and stick, India (although) I think consideration has to be given to changing the team. But they won’t,” O’Keeffe told Fox Sports.

“It’s a tough gig to come here at 37 years of age. Rohit has averaged 13 in his last five Test matches (and has) a double failure in Adelaide. You could count on one hand the number of 37 year old-plusses who have come to Australia and had a significant effect on the series. I think Younis Khan of Pakistan is one. Jacques Kallis of South Africa is another. Both averaged over 50.

“Can Rohit Sharma do that in the remaining few tests? That question has to be asked. He’s the skipper. I think he’ll stay, but I think consideration must be given to game plan B. This Australian pace attack is relentless. They are not going anywhere. Is Rohit Sharma?”

It will be a short turnaround for the Indian team, with the Gabba Test starting in less than a week with India's qualification for the WTC final at stake, but it is less likely that the management would reinstate Rohit as an opener.