BGT: Manjrekar Suggests Rohit Rethink His Confidence and Batting Strategy

New Delhi, Dec 23 (NationPress) With the Boxing Day Test set to take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has advised struggling captain Rohit Sharma to reassess his aggressive batting technique against Australia’s impressive bowling line-up.

Sharma, who has faced challenges in maintaining consistency in Test cricket this year, must adjust his strategy to significantly impact India’s performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which is currently tied at 1-1.

Rohit’s Test cricket form has been disappointing in 2024. Across 13 matches, he averages a mere 26.39, a stark drop from his typically dependable levels. He missed the first Test in the series due to the birth of his second child but came back for the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, where he managed only nine runs in two innings. In the rain-affected third Test in Brisbane, he batted at No. 6, scoring just 10 runs in his only appearance.

"He has that capability for big performances. In South Africa, he had an innings where the target was small, and he confidently attacked the bowling, looking impressive. However, in an Australian Test match, facing bowlers who are all in top form, it's quite challenging to take them on with his high-risk shots. He attempted that in the home series against New Zealand as well, trying to unsettle the bowlers but got out while playing an aggressive shot," Manjrekar shared with ESPNCricinfo.

While Rohit had a strong start to the year during the home series against England, his performance significantly declined during the Bangladesh series in September and the following series against New Zealand.

"He is struggling with confidence and self-doubt. The home series against New Zealand was a harsh realization, especially since his defense was being breached on Indian pitches," Manjrekar remarked.

Manjrekar believes that Rohit’s failure to establish a solid defensive foundation is detrimental to his Test cricket performance. He drew parallels between Rohit's current issues and his disciplined performances during the 2021 England tour.

In 2021, Rohit had a remarkable Test series in England, scoring runs at a strike rate of 42. Manjrekar highlighted that series as a demonstration of Rohit's potential as a disciplined Test batsman.

"I recall commentating on that series (2021 England) and repeatedly saying 'this is Pujara-like', as he was grinding through. I thought it marked the rebirth of Rohit Sharma, the Test cricketer, who scored two centuries in his first two Tests. I felt this was his true passion; he loved playing defensively like a typical Mumbai batter," he noted.

However, Manjrekar observed that Rohit has struggled to replicate that form and strategy in recent games. "Now, when he needs to bring that game back, he just can't seem to find his defensive game..." Manjrekar concluded.

As the series stands at 1-1 with two Tests remaining, India will take on Australia for the fourth Test at the MCG starting Thursday.