India captain Rohit Sharma He can be said to be going through one of the toughest phases of his cricketing career. After experiencing the highs of the T20 World Cup 2024, Rohit has struggled to score runs in Test cricket.
He had a disappointing home Test season and his poor form continued in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy as well. At this stage of his career, the pressure is mounting on the Indian captain to perform well. Former India coach Ravi Shastri expressed his opinion about Rohit's poor form while also praising KL Rahul's brilliant run.
Shastri believes that Rohit Sharma needs to be clear in his approach and needs to show intent to apply pressure again. Australia. The former Indian pacer feels this is the only way Rohit can survive in Test cricket.
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“He has hit a purple patch” – Ravi Shastri on KL Rahul
While speaking on The ICC Review host Sanjana Ganesan, Ravi Shastri praised KL Rahul's performance in this series. Describing his technique as “flawless”, Shastri was impressed with the way Rahul left the ball and admired his confidence.
“I was going to ask him (Rohit Sharma) to open in the last Test match but then the way he (KL) batted, I mean it was a joy to watch and the way he batted, I think he batted a purple patch,” Shastri pointed out. He might just want to keep him and enhance his game because his game has been flawless.
“The way he left the ball, the way he allowed the ball to get to the bat, I mean some of his sweeps were as good as anyone playing in world cricket at the moment. So I think when there's a lot of confidence, so be it as you know”.
KL Rahul top-scored for India in the last Test at the Gabba with a fine 84 off 139 deliveries. He looked the most confident of all the Indian batsmen. Rahul is also the highest run-scorer for India in the first three Tests of the series with 235 runs at an average of 47.
Ravi Shastri backs Rohit Sharma to bat strongly
Ravi Shastri then spoke about Rohit Sharma's chances of making an impact in the remaining two Tests of the series. Shastri wants Rohit to be clear in his approach and play with an attacking mentality.
“I would like to see Rohit Sharma, his tactics change a little bit because he can still be very dangerous at that number (six). I think he has to be very clear in his mentality to go out there and charge the opponent and not worry about anything else.
“The last thing you want is for him to be in two minds whether to defend or attack. In his case, it should be attacking. He is gaining height quickly, and he has to face the opposition with that number,” he explained.
“Because if he gets away in the first 10 to 15 minutes, in any case, he has not gone beyond that 15 to 20 minutes, or half an hour. So why not play a normal game, go and take the attack to the goal.” Opposition and take it from there?” he argued.
Ravi Shastri wants Rohit Sharma to counter-attack
The former India pacer believes Rohit Sharma should play a counter-attack role with the bat and needs to show intent rather than backing off. He backed the Indian skipper to play his shots on the bouncy Australian pitches.
“The best No. 6s in the world are people who know how to counter-attack. They read the situation well. Yes, if a lot of wickets fall, maybe for a short period,” Shastri said.
“You may have to be careful, but the intention has to be sooner rather than later. Especially when you have that kind of ability and especially when you open the batting for India and you have all the capabilities for Australian conditions,” he added.
Rohit Sharma missed the opening Test of the series due to the birth of his second child but played the second and third Tests of the series. He has scored 19 runs in two Tests so far at an average of 6.33.
with Ravichandran Ashwin Having already retired, the pressure is mounting on Rohit to prove his worth in Test cricket. Being a senior team player, he aims to contribute to the team's cause.