Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has raised concerns about captain Rohit Sharma’s form in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Manjrekar pointed out that Rohit’s struggles could stem from his fragile defence, which was exposed during the home Test series against New Zealand. Rohit, who missed the first Test against Australia in Perth, has failed to make an impact in the next two Tests. In his three innings on Australian soil, he has registered scores of 3, 6, and 10. According to Manjrekar, the Indian captain appeared to be low on confidence.
“He is short of confidence, with self-doubts,” Manjrekar told ESPNcricinfo. “It was a bit of a rude shock when he played in that home series against New Zealand, and his defense was getting breached on Indian pitches. For someone who, in 2021, had that terrific series in England and scored at a strike rate of 42—which is a bit Pujara-like—and batted for about 21 hours in the entire series, this was a new discovery for all of us. Now, when he has to bring that game back, he just can’t find his defensive rhythm. That’s where the problem lies—his defence has just gone to pieces,” he explained.
Rohit’s recent dip in form
Manjrekar believes that Rohit needs to rediscover the batting form he showcased during the England series in 2021.
“I remember commentating on that series (2021 England) and kept saying, ‘This is Pujara-like,’ the way he was grinding away. 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 was his true calling—what he loves to do—playing for time, like a typical Mumbai batter,” Manjrekar added.
The Indian captain pushed himself lower down the order at No. 6, giving his opening spot to KL Rahul. Rohit will be eager to step-up with the bat in the Boxing Day Test a the iconic MCG on December 26.
