Who should bat at #5 in the 5th test? (Ind in Eng 2021)

[zen]

Considering that both Rahane and Jadeja (should not have been sent at #5) have been sub par, what are the best options for #5 for the 5th test? We are talking about specialist batsman therefore no suggestions like bat Thakur at #5. 
 

Settled opening combination is unlikely to be disturbed for the last test so Rohit-KL will open. Therefore, again no unwarranted bat KL at #5 kind of suggestions. Leave that to the TM. 
 

Mayank, Shaw, SKY and Vihari are in the squad iirc. 
 

Vote in the poll too. Poll closes before the start of the 5th test. 
 

PS Assume that Ind will go with 4 pacers + Ashwin/Jadeja at #7.

Edited September 5, 2021 by zen

[Vijy]

3 minutes ago, zen said:

Considering that both Rahane and Jadeja (should not have been sent at #5) have been sub par, what are the best options for #5 for the 5th test? We are talking about specialist batsman therefore no suggestions like bat Thakur at #5. 
 

Settled opening combination is unlikely to be disturbed for the last test so Rohit-KL will open. Therefore, again no unwarranted bat KL at #5 kind of suggestions. Leave that to the TM. 
 

Mayank, Shaw, SKY and Vihari are in the squad iirc. 
 

Vote in the poll too. Poll closes before the start of the 5th test. 
 

PS Assume that Ind will go with 4 pacers + Ashwin/Jadeja at #7.

TM via Rathod in an interview has already said that they will play Rahane; there's a Cricinfo article. of the options available, I would go with Vihari for the last test since he has experience of batting in tough conditions, which the others have not experienced to the same degree

[SRT100]

I feel its too late in the series to making such a crucial decision regarding our batting line up. However Rahane has to go.

 

Vihari or SKY has merit given their experience and maturity.

 

India will also need to bring a new fast bowler, as Bumrah and Siraj both look tired.

 

If it was a choice of Ashwin or Rahane at 5, I would definitely go Ashwin. He cannot do any worse than Rahane and he would immensely improve our bowling.

[zen]

2 minutes ago, Vijy said:

I would go with Vihari for the last test since he has experience of batting in tough conditions, which the others have not experienced to the same degree

Vihari is a good option if in form as like you said he has the experience of batting in the middle order.

 

I voted for SKY to throw some more attacking unorthodox cricket to the mix. The guy is also in the form of his life. 

[The Realist]

Anybody but Rahane.

 

Never seen such an imposter across all the sports I have watched. 

[Vijy]

6 minutes ago, zen said:

Vihari is a good option if in form as like you said he has the experience of batting in the middle order.

 

I voted for SKY to throw some more attacking unorthodox cricket to the mix. The guy is also in the form of his life. 

I voted for Rahane just for the heck of it... because what we think won't affect TM. as I mentioned, my pick would be vihari. agree that SKY would be an interesting choice but it's difficult conditions to throw him in

[zen]

3 minutes ago, Vijy said:

I voted for Rahane just for the heck of it... because what we think won't affect TM. as I mentioned, my pick would be vihari.

ok but note that the poll is on who “should” bat at #5 (best option), not who “would” (predicting the TM option)

Edited September 5, 2021 by zen

[Gollum]

SKY, he has momentum/confidence on his side. Even a quick 40 can be game changing. Out of all the options his game is best suited to do that. 

[SRT100]

10 minutes ago, Gollum said:

SKY, he has momentum/confidence on his side. Even a quick 40 can be game changing. Out of all the options his game is best suited to do that. 

 

Im not against SKY playing but bare in mind he has not played any competitive cricket in over a month.

 

I would not say he has momentum and or confidence.

 

However, I would definitely have him instead of Rahane. Hell I would rather replace Rahane with a wooden chair for our 5th spot.

[Majestic]

Vihari

[Majestic]

I am hearing that Pujara has an injury. So in case, he is not available for final test, Rahane will get another go as they won't make two changes in the batting.

[Lord]

Vihari 

 

Similar in batting but can bowl

 

also deserves a Test after the Sydney heroics

[Trichromatic]

Vihari had done nothing wrong to be sidelined. 

[Yoda-esque]

SKY..he is fearless,has been consistent and just like Thakur ,will have a point to prove.The rest are still young and have plenty of time.

 

Mayank hasn't impressed me much and Shaw needs to work on his fitness.

 

Vihari has done nothing wrong but nothing great either.SKY it is.

 

 

[vayuu1]

With vihari you get bowling option as well plus he is a gritty bat

[rkt.india]

3 hours ago, Trichromatic said:

Vihari had done nothing wrong to be sidelined. 

He isn't sidelined. There is no place for him.

[rkt.india]

Mayank should come in.

[tweaker]

Surya Kumar Yadav should be batting at no 5  .As seen from Shardul batting an aggressive 50 can change the course of the match

[Sgattick10]

Give Rahane one more test and boot him out. Bring Sundar in his place, give a bit of a long rope, he is young and capable ..will do well for sure 

[Lone Wolf]

Tactically SKY should come in..  He can bowl as well if needed..  Don't mind if its legal or chucking. 

He has aggressive stroke play.  Can play late as well.  Also in a purple patch. 

Mayank won't be a bad choice too in fact anyone other than Rahane.