"He can do 2 things" - Sanjay Bangar on what Rohit Sharma needs to do in BGT 2024-25 4th Test
Former India player Sanjay Bangar reckons Rohit Sharma can do two things to regain his form in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 fourth Test. He opined that the India captain can consider batting at No. 3 and make his initial movements early.
The fourth Test of the five-match series between India and Australia is scheduled to start in Melbourne on Thursday, December 26. Rohit has aggregated 19 runs at a paltry average of 6.33 in three innings in the series thus far.
During a discussion on the Star Sports show 'Game Plan,' Bangar was asked whether it would get easier for Rohit if he spent some time in the middle.
"That is a mantra for any batter. I feel he can do two things. One, can he come to bat at No. 3 because if we have to strengthen our bowling a little and add a little sharpness, he can definitely change his number," he responded.
The former India batting coach added that Rohit has been unable to play his favorite pull shot, as he is getting late in his preparation.
"Apart from that, prepare yourself a little early. It seems like he is getting slightly late and he is also getting late because we saw his bat not going forward for his favorite pull shot. He generally doesn't miss the pull shot. It's a signal for every batter whether he is playing his best shot or not," Bangar observed.
Rohit missed the first Test in Perth as he wanted to spend some time with his family after the birth of his second child. KL Rahul's success at the top of the order in the series opener prompted the Indian skipper to bat at No. 6 once he returned to the XI for the second and third Tests.
"Rohit Sharma needs two or three shots where he can get his rhythm and get a feel" - Sanjay Bangar
![Rohit Sharma has been putting in the hard yards in the nets. [P/C: Getty]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/3c8dc-17347670038347-1920.jpg?w=500)
In the same discussion, Sanjay Bangar noted that Rohit Sharma needed a few good shots to regain his rhythm.
"If he stabilizes a little early, he will get a little time to take his foot forward, and then he can play his good shots. The Australians have bowled him short balls but he has missed many of them. Rohit Sharma needs two or three shots where he can get his rhythm and get a feel," he said.
The cricketer-turned-commentator added that the 37-year-old can get his feel back during the match and not necessarily in the nets.
"Batting is a game of feel. If you feel your legs are moving properly and you are able to play your shots, suddenly you feel your lost confidence coming back. It can come in the middle of an innings as well. It's not necessary that it has to come in the nets," Bangar observed.
Rohit has aggregated 607 runs at an average of 26.39 in 24 Test innings this year. He has fared worse in his last 13 innings in the game's longest format, managing 152 runs at an average of 11.69.