Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Rohit Sharma’s recent struggles with batting form are due to a lack of confidence and self-doubt. Despite a solid start to 2024, Rohit has been out of form since the home Test series against Bangladesh in September.
In his last 13 Test innings, Rohit Sharma has averaged less than 12, with just one half-century to his name. The Indian captain’s batting performance in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 has been overwhelming as well, managing only 19 runs in three innings at an average of 6.33.
Sanjay Manjrekar highlights Rohit Sharma’s struggles with confidence amid poor form
Before the ongoing Australian tour, the veteran Indian opener averaged under 16 during India’s 0-3 Test series loss to New Zealand at home. However, Rohit has been batting at No. 6 in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, following KL Rahul’s strong performance at the top of the order.
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Sanjay Manjrekar was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo: “He is short of confidence with self-doubts. And 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.”
Ahead of the Boxing Day Test against Australia scheduled at the MCG from October 26, Sanjay Manjrekar has pointed out that Rohit Sharma’s defensive technique seems to be letting him down, unlike his successful performance in England in 2021, when he scored 368 runs in four Tests at an average of 52.57.
He just can’t find the defensive game: Sanjay Manjrekar
The cricket pundit further said, “So, for someone who, in 2021, when he had that terrific series in England, scored at a strike rate of 42, which is a bit Pujara-like, and the entire series he batted for about 21 hours. This was a new discovery for all of us, and now when he has to bring that game back, he just can’t find the defensive game. So that’s where the problem lies—just gone to pieces, his defense.”
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During the England Test series in 2021, the right-handed batter’s ability to bat long innings and his solid technique was highly praised by many. Well, Manjrekar suggested that the lack of confidence is now affecting Rohit’s game, making it difficult for him to regain his form and replicate that show.
Sanjay Manjrekar recalls Rohit Sharma’s performance in the 2021 England series
Manjrekar recalled, “I remember commentating on that series (2021 England) and kept saying, ‘This is Pujara-like,’ the way he was grinding away. And 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 this is his true calling; this is what he loves to do, which is playing for time like a typical Mumbai batter.”
Notably, the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is currently tied at 1-1 after the Gabba Test ended in a draw with India winning the first Test in Perth while Australia emerged victorious in the second Test at Adelaide. Now, the fourth Test in Melbourne will decide the fate of the BGT.
