'The intent has to be far sooner than later': Former coach's advice to struggling Rohit Sharma ahead of BGT 2024-25 4th Test
Ex-Team India coach Ravi Shastri has shared his advice for Rohit Sharma on how he can come out of his rut ahead of the final two Tests against Australia. Shastri opined that the Indian skipper must show more intent early in his innings, pointing out that the best No.6 batters have the ability to counter-attack.
Rohit, who joined the Indian team Down Under after the opening Test, is yet to make a notable score in the series. With the opening pair of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal showing promise in Perth, the right-hander decided to bat at number six but has had scores of 3, 6 and 10 thus far.
With the 37-year-old's footwork at number six not being sharp, Shastri believes he must balance caution and aggression. He said on the latest episode of the ICC Review:
"I would like to see Rohit Sharma, his tactics change a bit because he can still be extremely dangerous at that number (six). The best No.6s in the world are the guys who know how to have the ability to counter-attack. They read the situation well. Yes, if a lot of wickets have fallen, maybe for a little while. You might have to be circumspect, but the intent has to be far sooner than later."
Rohit has only played once at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the venue for the fourth Test. The 2018 MCG Test against Australia saw the veteran score a useful 63* at number six in the first innings.
"Would have asked him to open in the last Test" - Ravi Shastri on Rohit Sharma
The 62-year-old also claimed that he understands why KL Rahul cannot be replaced as an opener for now, given how well the right-hander has fared in the series with his faultless technique. He added (as per the aforementioned source):
"I would have asked him (Rohit) to open in the last Test match but then the way Rahul has batted, I mean he was a joy to watch and the way he's batting, I believe he struck a purple patch. It could be a position he might just want to keep and enhance the way he's playing because his technique was faultless. The way he left the ball, the way he allowed the ball to come onto the bat, I mean some of his cover drives were as good as any played by anyone in world cricket at the moment. And so I think when there's that much confidence there, you know, let it be."
Team India have beaten Australia the last two times at the MCG.