Idea of moving down Sehwag to middle order is outright foolish and replacing Sehwag at the top with Rahane, who is a # 3 in domestic cricket for Mumbai, is even more foolish.
The opening pair of Gambhir and Sehwag have added 4028 runs together on top in Tests and they stand at 5th in the all time list of highest partnership runs. And by the end of year they have a very good chance to surpass SL pair of Attapattu and Jayasuriya (4469) and now defunct Strauss and Cook (4711).
Statistically if you take a look at the topmost pairs then this Indian pair is quickest to reach 4000 runs (79 innings). 33 of 79 innings they have opened together have been 50+ runs (10 hundred and 23 fifty), again that's amongst the best. Their average is the best amongst top 5 pairs.
More figures can be found at following cricinfo link:
Its true they have not been able to replicate the form in last few tests overseas, but then the batting has suffered slump collectively.
It is very essential that the pair is given ample amount of time to recover its mojo and be back amongst runs. And I am sure they will be back among runs and very soon you shall see the best of this pair. Its in ages that India has got a stable opening pair in Tests after years of frequent changes after Gavaskar and till Sehwag and Gambhir came together.
Let Rahane be kept to put pressure on Suresh Raina for #6 slot instead.
