India playing XI vs Australia: Cheteshwar Pujara wants KL Rahul to open the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the second Test against Australia and captain Rohit Sharma to bat at number three. In the absence of Rohit, Rahul batted at the top order instead of the middle order in the first Test in Perth. Pujara, who was the backbone of the Indian batting on the last two tours of Australia, believes that there should be no change in the opening pair after the 295-run win in the first Test. Jaiswal scored a century in the first Test while Rahul scored 26 and 77 runs.

Pujara told ESPN Cricinfo, "I think there should be no change in the batting order. KL and Yashasvi should open the innings and Rohit should come at number three, Shubman at number five. If Rohit wants to open the innings, then KL should come at number three. But not below that. I think he should come in the top order because it suits his style."

Gill can play at number five

Gill, who was ruled out of the first Test due to a thumb fracture, will play the day-night Test in Adelaide from December 6. Pujara said, “Gill should bat at number five because it will give him time. Even if two wickets fall early, he can play the new ball well. After this, he can play his shots in the 25th or 30th over. If three wickets fall early, he can come in and Rishabh Pant will be there for the old ball. Pant will not have to play the new ball.”