Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Rohit Sharma's recent struggles with batting form are due to lack of confidence and self-doubt. Despite a strong start to 2024, Rohit has been out of form since the home Test series against Bangladesh in September.
In his last 13 Test innings, Rohit Sharma has averaged less than 12, with only a half-century to his name. The Indian captain's batting performance in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 was also overwhelming, as he managed just 19 runs in three innings at an average of 6.33.
Sanjay Manjrekar highlights Rohit Sharma's struggles with confidence amid poor form
Ahead of the ongoing Australian tour, the veteran Indian opener had an average age of under 16 during India's 0-3 Test series loss to New Zealand at home. However, Rohit has finished sixth in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, after KL Rahul's strong performance at the top of the standings.
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“He lacks confidence with self-doubts,” ESPNCricinfo quoted Sanjay Manjrekar as saying. I was very shocked when he played in that series at home against New Zealand and his defense was being compromised in the Indian stadiums.
Ahead of the Boxing Day Test against Australia scheduled at the MCG from October 26, Sanjay Manjrekar pointed out that Rohit Sharma's defensive style seems to have let him down, in contrast to his successful performance in England in 2021, when he scored 368 runs in four Tests at an average of 52.57.
He can't find the defensive game: Sanjay Manjrekar
“So, for someone who, in 2021, when he had that great series in England, he scored a strike rate of 42, which is a bit similar to Pujara, and the whole series he batted for almost 21,” the cricket critic also said. hours. That was a revelation for all of us, and now when he has to do that play again, he can't find the defensive game. And here's the problem: his defense was broken.
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During the England Test series in 2021, many praised the right-handed batsman's ability to bat long innings and his powerful technique. Well, Manjrekar pointed out that the lack of confidence is now affecting Rohit's game, making it difficult for him to regain his form and repeat that display.
Sanjay Manjrekar recalls Rohit Sharma's performance in the 2021 England series
“I remember commentating on that series (England 2021) and I kept saying, 'That's like Pujara,' the way he was grinding,” Manjrekar recalls. “And I thought it was the rebirth of Rohit Sharma, the Test cricketer, who got those two centuries in his first two Tests.” I also felt that this is his true calling; this is what he loves to do, which is to play against the clock like a traditional Mumbai player.
Notably, the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is currently tied at 1-1 after the Gabba Test ended in a draw with India winning the first Test in Perth while Australia emerged victorious in the second Test in Adelaide. Now, the fourth Test in Melbourne will decide the fate of BGT.