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Xtra Time Web Desk: Former India coach Ravi Shastri believes Rohit Sharma can reassert his leadership and authority by returning to the top of the batting order in the upcoming third Test against Australia at the Gabba. Shastri suggested that Rohit’s best chance to make an impact is to "land the first punch" against the hosts as India look to bounce back in the series.

Rohit, who missed the first Test, returned for the second match in Perth but struggled with the bat, managing just 9 runs across both innings. His decision to bat at No.6 backfired as India succumbed to a heavy 10-wicket defeat. Highlighting Rohit’s poor form since the home series against New Zealand, Shastri stressed the importance of Rohit leading from the front by opening the innings.

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“That’s where he’s been at his best over the last eight or nine years. It’s not that he’s going to set the world on fire – he could – but that’s the place that’s best for him,” Shastri said. “To lead from the front. If he has to do damage, if he has to throw the first punch, that’s the best place from where he can do it.”

So far in 2024, Rohit has played 12 matches, scoring 597 runs at an average of 27.13.

Shastri also underlined the significance of the upcoming Test, calling it the "moving Test match" in the series. With the series level at 1-1, he believes the winner in Brisbane will likely seal the series.

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“It is important that India get their judgment right here because 1-1 in the series, this is the moving Test match. I feel whichever team wins this Test match will win the series,” Shastri added.

India and Australia are set to clash in the decisive third Test at the Gabba starting December 14.