Indian captain Rohit Sharma is currently struggling with his form. In the second Test against Australia, held in Adelaide, Rohit was dismissed for single-digit scores in both innings. He managed just 3 runs in the first innings and 6 runs in the second. India suffered a 10-wicket defeat in the pink-ball Test.
Typically an opener, Rohit batted at number six in Adelaide but failed to turn his fortunes around. He relinquished his opening slot to KL Rahul, who impressed with his batting in the Perth Test during Rohit’s absence. Rohit missed the first Test due to the birth of his second child.
Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri analyzed Rohit’s body language during the Adelaide Test and offered valuable advice. Speaking to Star Sports, Shastri emphasized the need for Rohit to return to the top of the order to regain his aggressive and impactful style. He said, “That’s why I want to see him at the top. That’s where he can be aggressive. His body language suggested he was a bit too quiet.”
Shastri further added, “The fact that he hasn’t scored runs affects him. On the field, he didn’t appear very active. I just want to see him more engaged and excited during the game.”
Ahead of the Adelaide Test, Rohit had stated that he didn’t want to disrupt the combination that had brought success in the first match. India won the first Test in Perth by a massive 295-run margin. Rohit even batted in the middle order during a practice match in Canberra to prepare for the role. However, he admitted that the decision wasn’t easy for him personally.
“Personally, it wasn’t an easy decision. But for the team, yes, it made a lot of sense,” Rohit shared.
In the first Test, KL Rahul had partnered with Yashasvi Jaiswal for an impressive 201-run stand in the second innings, with Rahul scoring 26 and 77 runs. However, Rahul couldn’t maintain his form in the second Test. After his underwhelming performance, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar suggested Rohit should return to his role as the opener.
India and Australia are tied 1-1 in the five-match series. The third Test is set to begin on Saturday at the Gabba in Brisbane.