Manjrekar Believes Rohit Should Choose Retirement Timing
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Synopsis
Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes Rohit Sharma should have the freedom to choose his retirement timing, while selectors may provide input. His recent performance sparked discussions about his future. Additionally, he advised Virat Kohli to play County cricket to improve his Test skills before the upcoming series.
Key Takeaways
- Rohit Sharma should decide his retirement.
- Selectors may influence but not dictate.
- Virat Kohli might benefit from County cricket.
- Performance in upcoming months is crucial for Rohit.
- Kohli's fitness remains top-notch.
New Delhi, Jan 17 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar expressed his firm belief that Rohit Sharma should have the freedom to determine when to retire from international cricket, even though he acknowledges that the selectors might play a role in this decision. Following India’s 3-1 Test series defeat in Australia, where Rohit only scored 31 runs across five innings, his choice to step back from the Sydney Test has sparked discussions about his future in the sport.
"In Indian cricket, Tendulkar had the ability to dictate his retirement, and I believe Rohit Sharma will have that same authority. Retirement is a deeply personal choice—how long a player wishes to continue or what further contributions they aim to make rests with them. However, it is also influenced by the selectors, in this instance, Mr. Ajit Agarkar and his team," Manjrekar stated in a recent episode of the 'Deep Point' podcast from Star Sports.
Additionally, Manjrekar recommended that Virat Kohli consider participating in a season of County cricket in England to sharpen his Test skills in English conditions ahead of the five-match Test series scheduled for June, using Cheteshwar Pujara as a reference point.
Although the County season overlaps with the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kohli could still engage in red-ball matches in England by joining India ‘A’ for the preliminary series before the main Test series. Kohli’s recent performance in Australia was disappointing, often falling to deliveries outside the off-stump.
“Kohli must engage in more red-ball cricket. With the first Test in England set for June and the County Championship starting in April, he could align with a County team, similar to Pujara, and gain essential match experience. This would allow India to assess his performances in the early Test matches,” he elaborated.
“If his performance shows promise, he can keep playing. However, the last thing needed is for Kohli to struggle, as has been seen before. That outcome would not benefit Indian cricket. Engaging in County cricket could be a wise decision for him,” he added.
Former RCB head coach and ex-India batting coach Sanjay Bangar remains hopeful about Kohli’s future, asserting that he can continue for several more years due to his exceptional fitness. “I’m still confident in him. Even at 36, he maintains remarkable fitness. His physical condition is impressive, and I believe he can keep competing at the highest levels,” he stated.
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta believes that Rohit and Kohli should not be compared, emphasizing that Rohit must address specific issues to maintain his spot on the team.
“We shouldn't conflate Rohit and Virat. Just as in the last generation of Indian cricket, where Tendulkar and Dravid were distinct, each player should be evaluated on their own merits.”
“For Rohit, the upcoming five months of primarily international white-ball matches and the IPL will be pivotal. His performance in these formats will be critical. Additionally, factors like his first-class form, fitness, and results in the Champions Trophy are crucial. Ultimately, the selectors will make the final decision.”
