“He needs to get the shot selection right” – Sunil Gavaskar’s message to Rohit Sharma ahead of 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under
Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has shared his words of wisdom for captain Rohit Sharma ahead of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under. Gavaskar wants Rohit to pick the right shots and use his feet to his advantage, especially against Mitchell Starc.
The cricketer-turned-commentator added that if the right-handed batter spent the first 10-15 overs at the crease, he would be rewarded in pace-friendly Australian conditions.
Notably, Gavaskar has suggested the exact opposite of Rohit’s natural aggressive nature where he shows a lot of intent to score in the first few overs.
Gavaskar told Star Sports (via The Times of India):
“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.”
“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,” he added.
Notably, Starc has dismissed Rohit five times in the limited-overs format but never in Tests.
What is Rohit Sharma’s record against Australia?
Rohit Sharma enjoys playing against Australia, with 3571 runs across formats, including nine centuries. In Australia, he has 2033 runs across formats. In Tests, he has amassed 408 runs in seven matches, including three half-centuries.
Rohit will look to return to form Down Under after a dismal Test series against New Zealand. The right-handed batter scored just 91 runs in three matches against the Kiwis.
Moreover, he has managed just one half-century in his last five Tests. His performance will play a pivotal role in the five-match Test series. Having said that, Rohit could miss the first two Tests due to paternity leave.