"Don't think left-arm pacers are a problem for Rohit Sharma"- Former Indian cricketer ahead of IND vs AUS T20 World Cup match
Former Indian wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta feels that Rohit Sharma has no specific weakness against left-arm pacers despite being dismissed by them on three occasions already in the ongoing T20 World Cup. The opener is likely to face the threat of another left-arm pacer in Mitchell Starc when his side play Australia in St. Lucia on Monday, June 24.
However, Dasgupta shed light on how Rohit has been losing his shape in his dismissals and felt that the latter was trying to hit the ball across the line. He feels that isn't the ideal option on the slow surfaces in the West Indies.
Speaking alongside former cricketer Harbhajan Singh on Star Sports Game Plan, here's what Deep Dasgupta had to say:
"I don't think left-arm pacers are a problem for Rohit. His problem this tournament has been that he looks to play square of the wicket rather than down the ground. If you see his wickets, he has tried to hit across the line on most occasions. On such slow pitches, you need to hit more in the 'V' and if he does that, I don't think he will face those problems."
Dasgupta was delighted to see how the batters went about their business against Bangladesh. He believes the intent is more important than personal milestones and wants analysts and experts to adapt to the way they assess batters too, not just looking at milestones.
Australia winning could cause massive problems for India: Dasgupta
Deep Dasgupta also explained how Afghanistan beating Australia has made it important for India to not get complacent going into their final Super Eight game. He feels India could be in trouble if they lose heavily as Afghanistan's potential victory over Bangladesh could form a three-way tie at four points, with net run rate deciding which two teams go through.
On this, Dasgupta said:
"Afghanistan's win has thrown this group wide open. Now if Australia win it could cause massive problems for India as well. So the game is going to be very important for India."
Australia lost to Afghanistan in their previous game by 21 runs and would want to come hard at the Men in Blue in their final encounter to ensure they qualify for the semifinals. Even if Australia win, Afghanistan would know the equation needed for them to beat Bangladesh and surpass the Aussies on net run rate.