Watch: Pat Cummins' jaffa rattles KL Rahul’s stumps at MCG

The Indian team did not get off to the best of starts in the ongoing fourth Test clash in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Coming in to bat first, Australia managed a massive 474 runs in the first innings on the back of a masterful ton by Steve Smith. In response, the Indian team lost their skipper Rohit Sharma cheaply as he could only manage three runs off five balls.

However, it was the dismissal of ace batter KL Rahul that grabbed eyeballs. After Rohit’s dismissal, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul put together a 43-run partnership for the second wicket to stabilise the innings. However, Australia skipper Pat Cummins struck late in the afternoon right at the stroke of Tea, dismissing Rahul with a peach of a delivery. 

Cummins' delivery straightened a tad bit after pitching, hitting the top of off stump and breaking Rahul’s defence as he played the wrong line. The in-form batter walked back to the pavilion on a score of 24 runs in 42 deliveries. 

Hope common sense prevails: Dodda Ganesh

Meanwhile, the reports before the start of the MCG Test that skipper Rohit Sharma will reclaim his opening spot in the Indian set-up turned out to be true, with Rahul moving down to No. 3.

Rahul has been in good form as an opener for India, scoring 103 runs in the first Test across two innings and a knock of 84 runs in the third Test. Given his form, many expected Rahul to continue as an opener, with Rohit in the middle order. 

Speaking about the same, former India cricketer Dodda Ganesh took to X (formerly Twitter) and opined that Rahul should continue to open, as the star batter has been in good form.

“Is there going to be a change in the opening pair? If so, it’s not the right thing to do. KL Rahul has looked very good at the top. Hope common sense prevails; and let’s not forget, cricket is a team game #BGT2024 #AUSvIND,” Ganesh posted. 

Much to his opinion, it does seem like the plan failed as Rohit Sharma departed on a score of three runs as the opener, with Rahul scoring 24 runs in No.3.