Sunil Gavaskar has suggested that Rohit Sharma should adopt a more restrained approach at the beginning of his innings when India face Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, advising him to temper his inclination for big hits. Sunil Gavaskar believes that by resisting early risks and stabilizing his game, Rohit Sharma can build the innings India need, especially given the high stakes of the series.
India cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar recently suggested that Rohit Sharma should temper his natural inclination for big hits in the early overs when facing Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Rohit Sharma expected to miss 1st Test vs Australia and his recent performances in Australia
Though Rohit Sharma is expected to miss the first Test in Perth due to family commitments, his return in later matches will be pivotal for India’s WTC ambitions.
Rohit Sharma’s Test record in Australia has been a mix of promising starts and challenges in converting these into substantial innings. Across seven matches on Australian soil, he has accumulated 408 runs, averaging 31.38, with his best series performance in Australia coming during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. As an opener, Rohit Sharma’s composed 52 at the Sydney Cricket Ground was instrumental in helping India secure a draw, underscoring his ability to anchor the innings under pressure.
Facing a fierce Australian bowling lineup with Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, Rohit Sharma’s ability to execute his signature hook and pull shots could be a crucial advantage for India. Gavaskar, however, warns that Australian pitches, known for their bounce, will require Rohit Sharma to play selectively to avoid falling into traps early in the innings. By doing so, Rohit Sharma can mitigate the risk from bouncers, particularly from Starc, and build an innings that allows India to stabilize against Australia’s attack.
Sunil Gavaskar’s send’s an advice to Rohit Sharma ahead of 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under
Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has shared his words of wisdom for captain Rohit Sharma ahead of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under. Gavaskar wants Rohit to pick the right shots and use his feet to his advantage, especially against Mitchell Starc.
The cricketer-turned-commentator added that if the right-handed batter spent the first 10-15 overs at the crease, he would be rewarded in pace-friendly Australian conditions.
Notably, Gavaskar has suggested the exact opposite of Rohit’s natural aggressive nature where he shows a lot of intent to score in the first few overs.
Gavaskar told Star Sports (via The Times of India):
“At the start, he can be troubled by Mitchell Starc’s lengths and lines. What happens often with Rohit is that his foot doesn’t move as much as it should in the first few overs of the contest, because of which he gets into trouble. But, if he can survive the first two-three overs, he can score runs. He needs to get the shot selection right. That’s not just for Rohit Sharma but for any batter.”
“Like I said, Australian pitches are good for batters. And they use Kookaburra ball. It doesn’t swing or seam much after the first 15 overs. Test cricket is a five-day match. If you show some restraint in the first session, then you can score runs,” he added.
Notably, Mitchell Starc has dismissed Rohit five times in the limited-overs format but never in Tests.
Rohit Sharma’s stellar record against Australia
Rohit Sharma enjoys playing against Australia, with 3571 runs across formats, including nine centuries. In Australia, he has 2033 runs across formats. In Tests, he has amassed 408 runs in seven matches, including three half-centuries.
Rohit Sharma will look to return to form Down Under after a dismal Test series against New Zealand. The right-handed batter scored just 91 runs in three matches against the Kiwis.
Moreover, he has managed just one half-century in his last five Tests. His performance will play a pivotal role in the five-match Test series. Having said that, Rohit could miss the first two Tests due to paternity leave.
Although Rohit Sharma is likely to miss the series opener in Perth due to family commitments, and is yet to join the side in Australia, his presence in subsequent matches is expected to be vital. India’s hopes rest significantly on their captain’s ability to strike a balance between his attacking prowess and measured gameplay, as they aim for a place in the WTC final. Gavaskar’s advice could serve as a strategic guide for Rohit Sharma, whose runs at the top could provide India the foundation they need in this crucial series.