"Try to get some circulation going in the legs" - Sunil Gavaskar's advice to Rohit Sharma after twin failures in 2nd BGT 2024-25 Test
Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar adviced skipper Rohit Sharma to exercise before walking out to bat after his twin failures in the ongoing second Test against Australia in Adelaide. After missing the opening Test which India won by a massive 295 runs, Rohit slotted into the middle-order at No.6 to maintain the same opening partnership.
However, his poor recent form in Tests continues as he registered scores of three and six in the two innings. Further worrying has been Rohit's similar mode of dismissals with the feet have remained stagnant and the bat late in coming down.
Speaking to India Today after play on Day 2, Gavaskar offered Rohit advice amidst his form slump by saying:
"I think the feet aren't moving as they should. He needs to do a little bit of exercise before coming to the crease and try to get some circulation going in the legs. He has always been a slow starter as far as feet movement is concerned."
He added:
"It's not just a recent problem. The older you get, the more pronounced it becomes. So, that is something maybe he needs to look to do. When he comes in to bat, maybe run in a little bit, so that the circulation is there. Do some jogging before you take the first ball."
While Scott Boland trapped Rohit LBW in the first innings, opposite skipper Pat Cummins cleaned him up in the second innings.
The 37-year-old entered the series on the back of a dismal showing in the home series against New Zealand, averaging under 16 in three Tests.
Rohit Sharma's dismal outing leaves India on the brink of defeat in 2nd BGT Test
Rohit Sharma's poor outing with the bat left India on the brink of a heavy defeat in the second Australia Test at Adelaide.
After scoring a sub-par 180 in the first innings, Team India staged a mini fightback with the ball, reducing Australia to 168/4 on Day 2. However, their nemesis Travis Head smashed a brilliant 140 off 141 deliveries to propel Australia to a formidable 337 and a lead of 157 runs.
The Indian batters endured another sorry performance in the second innings under lights against the pink ball, finishing the second day on 128/5. They trail the Aussies by 29 runs with Rishabh Pant (28*) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (15*) at the crease.