The batting form of India’s stalwarts, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, has been a major topic of discussion in recent months. Both have struggled with consistency, often getting out cheaply. Kohli scored a century in the first Test against Australia at Perth, but both he and Rohit failed to contribute in the second Test at Adelaide, where India suffered a heavy defeat.

In the second Test, Kohli and Rohit combined for just 27 runs across four innings. Kohli was dismissed for 7 and 11, while Rohit managed scores of only 3 and 6. Rohit has also given up his spot at the top of the order due to KL Rahul's impressive performance as an opener. However, Rohit has looked out of sorts while batting at No. 6.

A video showing the duo practicing in the nets ahead of the third Test did little to reassure fans. While the players were seen blocking balls, fans criticized their lack of confidence, with one user remarking that they would not deliver when it "matters most." Another fan pointed out Kohli’s continued struggles with playing balls he should leave.

India has struggled to pass 200 runs in three of their four innings in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and their batting failures have put added pressure on lower-order players like Rishabh Pant and Nitish Reddy.

There are rumors that Rohit might return to open the innings in the third Test in Brisbane, which would see KL Rahul move to the middle order.