Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar recently advised Rohit Sharma to restrain his aggressive batting style in the early overs of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-2025 series against Australia. Gavaskar emphasised the importance of a controlled approach for Rohit to score runs consistently and maintain stability at the crease. Notably, Rohit scored only 91 runs in six innings with a batting average of 15.16 in the recently-concluded Test series against New Zealand. He scored just one fifty in three Tests.
Rohit Sharma needs to get the shot selection right: Sunil Gavaskar
Gavaskar highlighted that while Rohit's attacking instincts can be a significant asset, it's essential to avoid risky shots, especially against Australia's formidable pace attack, which includes bowlers like Mitchell Starc.
"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," Gavaskar said during a conversation with Star Sports.
"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," Gavaskar added.
Rohit Sharma's track-record in Australia
Rohit Sharma's Test record in Australia has been characterised by promising starts that haven't always translated into substantial innings. In seven matches on Australian soil, he has scored 408 runs at an average of 31.38. His most notable performance came during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where his composed 52 at the Sydney Cricket Ground played a crucial role in India securing a draw. This innings showcased his ability to anchor the innings under pressure, demonstrating his potential as a reliable opener.
Facing a formidable Australian bowling attack led by Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, Rohit Sharma's ability to execute his signature hook and pull shots could be a significant advantage for India. However, Gavaskar cautioned that the bouncy Australian pitches could tempt Rohit into risky shots early in the innings. By playing selectively and avoiding the lure of bouncers, especially from Starc, Rohit can build solid innings and provide India with a strong foundation. Rohit's form will be crucial for India in their bid to win Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-2025 which will pave their path for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 final.
India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy:
Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar.
Reserves: Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed
Australia's squad for Border-Gavaskar Trophy's Perth Test
Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc
