Rohit Sharma's Drive for Test Cricket Must Manifest in His Performance: Bangar

New Delhi, Jan 7 (NationPress) Sanjay Bangar, who previously coached the Indian cricket team, believes that Rohit Sharma, the current captain of India, is going through a challenging phase in Test cricket and must showcase his desire for runs through his performance to remain in the red-ball format.

The 37-year-old player withdrew from the last and fifth Test against Australia in Sydney due to disappointing performances throughout the three-match series, where he managed only 31 runs in five innings.

Bangar pointed out examples of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, who successfully regained their spots in the team based on their impressive domestic performances in the past.

“At 37, every setback stings because a cricketer takes great pride in their abilities. When he reflects on his past performances but struggles to match them, while younger players are excelling, it weighs heavily on his conscience. These elements may have contributed to his choice. He must assess whether he still possesses the drive to compete in Test cricket. If he does, that drive must be evident in his actions,” he stated.

“There’s been extensive discussion regarding playing domestic cricket,” Bangar continued on Star Sports.

“Players like Pujara and Rahane, who share a similar status with Rohit Sharma, have faced drops in the past but have demonstrated their hunger by participating in domestic matches. Even now, they are putting in the effort on domestic fields, which is a significant reduction in intensity compared to international cricket,” he added.

Although Rohit missed the Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, which India lost by six wickets, extinguishing their hopes for a third consecutive World Test Championship final, he conveyed his intention to keep playing for India.

“I am not going anywhere; I still want to play.” If he commits to performing in domestic cricket, no one can hinder his progress. However, that form and drive must be apparent,” stated the Indian captain.

Similarly, former Indian wicketkeeper Deep Das Gupta echoed Bangar’s views and advised Rohit to engage in domestic cricket to gear up for the upcoming Test series against England in June.

“The primary question for me is whether they still possess that hunger. That hunger is vital. At least one or two domestic matches are essential to evaluate this hunger. Class is not the concern. Regarding Rohit – excluding Virat – considering his batting, apart from one poor shot across the line, he appeared somewhat improved in his last innings, even if he didn’t score significantly. The hunger and readiness to make sacrifices are crucial at this juncture, after achieving so much individually and as a captain. The next Test series won’t occur until June. Until then, there’s no domestic or red-ball cricket available. Whatever red-ball cricket is accessible now, in the upcoming two weeks, is critical,” Gupta remarked.