Rohit Sharma missed the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as he was on paternity leave and in his absence, KL Rahul took the remaining opening slot.

India batters KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal opened the batting for Men in Blue during the Pink Ball warm-up game against Australia at Manuka Oval in Manuka, Canberra.

Cheteshwar Pujara wants K L Rahul to open the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in the second Test against Australia despite the arrival of skipper Rohit Sharma. Rohit's absence in the series opener in Perth allowed India to move Rahul to the top of the order from the middle order.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul ended day 2 with an unbeaten stand of 172 for the opening wicket at Perth. This is the first time that an opening pair from India has slammed a century partnership in Perth (including Tests played both at WACA and Optus Stadium).

In the absence of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul opened the batting for India in the first Test against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth.

Ahead of the Prime Minister XI game, the Indian assistant coach Abhishek Nayar addressed Rohit Sharma's batting position and said it is still too early for them to think about it.

Rohit Sharma returns as captain, replacing Devdutt Padikkal, for the Adelaide Test. KL Rahul's batting position is uncertain. Shubman Gill's fitness will influence the final lineup. Spin bowling options are being evaluated.

During the practice game against Australia’s PMXI in Canberra, Rohit Sharma did not change the pair and came to bat at number 6 spot himself.