IND vs AUS: 'Indian cricket team will be very pleased to have Rohit back,' says VVS Laxman

Rohit Sharma leaves the team`s hotel in Melbourne on January 4, 2021, as the Australian and Indian cricket teams relocate to Sydney for the third cricket Test on January 7. Picture/ AFP

Former Indian cricketer and star batsman VVS Laxman seems to be putting his money on Rohit Sharma as he believes the Indian opener will shine in the next Test match against Australia in Sydney, should he be a replacement for Mayank Agarwal in the playing XI.

Speaking exclusively on Star Sports' show Cricket Connected, batting legend VVS Laxman weighs in on Rohit Sharma entering the side and how it changes the scheme of things as far as the playing XI is concerned, "Well, Yeah! Definitely one of the batsmen has to miss out, probably Rohit Sharma will come in place of Mayank Agarwal, because Rohit, since the South Africa series has been a regular opener he has a tremendous record, as an opening batsman. I think The Indian cricket team will be very pleased to have Rohit Sharma back, especially when Virat is not there, you want more experience in the Indian dressing room because now is the perfect opportunity for us to go 2-1 in Sydney and then probably win 3-1. Rohit Sharma himself would like to showcase his talent because I always feel that his style of batting and talent is very suited for the Australian wicket. So, if he gets his eye in, if he sees through the new ball, I'm sure that a big hundred is on the cards as far as Rohit's batting is concerned."

VVS Laxman also went on to share his thoughts on the fighting spirit of Indian Cricket Team, "Well, I think, see a lot can be talked off the field but I think the reply and a very a fitting reply has been given by the Indian Team. It's obvious that once you're bowled out for 36, various cricket experts will think that Virat Kohli leaving the series and Shami being ruled out, the Indian team could sort off disintegrate and could result in a very poor outing in the remainder of the series but credit to the entire team, support staff, the way they bounced back positively. I would say to my viewer friends and experts, never rule out anything, especially not the Indian Cricket Team."

India, led by Virat Kohli, were defeated by Australia in the first Test match. In the second Test match, Ajinkya Rahane led the side in Kohli's absence as the visitors levelled the series 1-1 with a win.

Cricket Connected now airs every Monday at 2 PM & 9.30 PM IST on the Star Sports Network. The show has cricketing legends engage with fans through video calls discussing a range of topics.