Legendary Indian batter Sunil Gavaskar has advised captain Rohit Sharma to not just focus on getting a good start but be patient and play a big knock in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal against Australia on March 4. Gavaskar wants Rohit to play beyond the first powerplay overs and score big for India against the Steve Smith-led side.
"He just has to play his game. He also has to keep in mind that he is an opening batsman. The opening batsman does not have to play only 10 overs. He does not have to score 40-45 runs in 10 overs. The more overs he plays, the more runs Team India will score," Gavaskar told Aajtak in an exclusive interaction.
How Rohit has fared in Champions Trophy 2025 so far
In the clash against New Zealand on March 2, Rohit departed after scoring 15 runs from 17 balls. He attempted a pull shot off Kyle Jamieson and was caught inside the 30-yard circle by Will Young. Against Pakistan, he started well in the run chase with three fours and a six. He was undone by an inswing yorker by Shaheen Afridi. He scored 20 runs from 15 balls.
In India's Champions Trophy 2025 campaign opener, Rohit scored 41 runs from 36 deliveries. He tried to attack Taskin Ahmed by going down the track in the 10th over but mistimed and was caught by Rishad Hossain. He hit seven fours in his knock.
Rohit's change in intent
In the last few years, Rohit has focused on the importance of intent in the modern-day cricket. He has tried to use the powerplay overs. Recently, he roared back to form with a match-winning 90-ball 119 against England. However, the Dubai pitch has favoured the spinners and stroke-making has not been easy. Rohit may look to play the long game against Australia if India are to post a big total if they bat first or chase down the target without losing too many wickets.
Last time Rohit faced Australia in ODIs
India's last ODI clash against Australia was in ODI World Cup 2023 final in Ahmedabad. Rohit got off to a blazing start with three sixes and four fours in his 31-ball 47. He got out in the 10th over trying to attack Glenn Maxwell as Travis Head took an excellent catch running outside the 30-yard circle.
