Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has discussed Rohit Sharma's evolution as a batter, specifically addressing his performance against left-arm bowlers. Contrary to previous concerns, Manjrekar said that Rohit’s earlier struggles against left-handed seamers are no longer apparent.
Manjrekar pointed to recent World Cup matches where Rohit demonstrated ease facing formidable left-arm pacers like Mitchell Starc and Shaheen Afridi. This showcased the 36-year-old improved technique and composure at the crease.
"The weakness you are talking about, the weakness against left-handers, is a thing of the past. Not anymore. In the last two or three years, he hasn't had any problems. Mitchell Starc in the home series. He was comfortable against Australia with the new ball. Shaheen Afridi was supposed to be the danger man against Rohit Sharma. That was a Rohit who used to plant his front foot across the line. Not anymore. I think he has become a good Test player," Manjrekar said while speaking on Star Sports.
The 58-year-old emphasised Rohit’s adaptability and development as a Test player, highlighting a noteworthy transformation in his batting approach for the longest format. His commitment to staying at the crease and constructing innings has been especially notable, evident in his standout performance as the leading run-scorer during the series in England.
Rohit’s shift in batting style, transitioning from an aggressive approach in limited-overs cricket to a more measured strategy in Tests, has played a pivotal role in his success and sustained excellence at the highest level of the game.
"He plays exactly the opposite. When he gets runs at the Test level these days, it's just occupation of the crease, which is an incredible memory that I have of him from England.”
“When he came to the fore as a Test opener, he got a hundred there and ended up as the highest run-getter in that series. The number of hours he batted there in that series. The occupation of the crease is giving him a high now in Tests. It's exactly the opposite role he played in the World Cup," Manjrekar added.
Rohit, captaining India in a two-Test series against South Africa starting on December 26, makes his comeback to international cricket following the 2023 World Cup final. Despite a modest track record of 123 runs in four Tests in South Africa without a fifty, Rohit's debut as a leader in the country holds significance as India endeavour to secure its first-ever Test series victory there. His recent good form contributes to India's confidence, especially after a promising start in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle.
(Powered by AI, Inputs by India Today)
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
'He's been overpaid for quite a few years now': AB de Villiers makes bold statement on star England all-rounder
WATCH: KL Rahul's generosity comes to the fore as captain bats for rising Indian star as 'Impact Fielder' of ODI series
