“Needs to bring that quality into his leadership” – Sanjay Manjrekar wants Rohit Sharma to learn from MS Dhoni amid IND vs NZ 1st Test falter
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes that current skipper Rohit Sharma needs to learn from legendary captain MS Dhoni. The reaction came as Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee shared a century-plus partnership for the eighth wicket in the first Test against India at Lunch on Day 3 (Friday, October 18).
Manjrekar believes that, unlike Dhoni, Rohit failed to make bowling changes as the situation demanded, which helped the visitors cash in against India.
Sanjay Manjrekar wrote on X:
“Dhoni had this very unique ability to preempt & make a bowling change before the damage went out of control. Rohit needs to bring that quality into his leadership.”
This is not the first time Rohit Sharma and company have looked clueless on the bowling front. They lost to England, Australia, and South Africa in Hyderabad (2024), The Oval (WTC final 2023), and Centurion (2023) on previous occasions as the opposition went on to score 400-plus before winning the matches.
On the captaincy front, Dhoni led India to 27 wins in 60 Tests at a win percentage of 45. He lost 18 games and drew 15. However, Rohit has a better win percentage as compared to Dhoni.
The 37-year-old has led India to 12 wins in 19 games at a win percentage of 63.15. Under his leadership, India are currently at the top of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table. He, however, lost the WTC 2023 final versus Australia.
New Zealand takes 299-run first innings lead vs Rohit Sharma and company in first Test at Lunch on Day 3
Rachin Ravindra’s century helped New Zealand take a 299-run lead against India in the first Test at Lunch on Day 3. Ravindra scored an unbeaten 104 off 125 balls, while Devon Conway also slammed 91 off 105 deliveries.
At the time of writing, the Kiwis were 345/7, with Ravindra and Tim Southee (49 off 50) at the crease.
Batting first, Rohit Sharma and company were bundled out for 46 in their first innings, registering lowest ever Test score at home. Matt Henry bagged a fifer, while William O'Rourke picked up four wickets.
Follow the IND vs NZ 1st Test live score and updates here.