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Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian cricket team, has been under scrutiny for his performance in the recent three-match Test series against New Zealand. Despite leading the side, he managed to score a meager 91 runs across six innings, averaging a paltry 15.17. This lackluster performance has prompted former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar to dissect Rohit's batting approach, identifying a potential weakness in his game.
Manjrekar, known for his insightful commentary, believes that Rohit's struggle stems from a lack of confidence in his defensive abilities. He suggests that Rohit has become overly reliant on an aggressive, counter-attacking style, which is leading him to mistime shots and make questionable decisions. This, according to Manjrekar, is a direct consequence of Rohit's lack of trust in his defense.
During the Mumbai Test, Rohit was dismissed for 18 runs in the first inning and scored a paltry 11 runs in the second. Manjrekar points to these dismissals as evidence of Rohit's lack of confidence in his defense. He emphasizes the importance of a strong defensive foundation for any batsman, especially in Test cricket where patience and consistency are paramount. Rohit's current approach, characterized by frequent mistimed shots and aggressive intent, is a far cry from the traditional, technically sound batting style often associated with Test cricket.
Manjrekar's analysis highlights a crucial aspect of batting – the balance between attack and defense. While aggressive strokeplay can be effective, it must be balanced by a sound defensive foundation. Without that foundation, batsmen can find themselves vulnerable to unpredictable deliveries, leading to inconsistency and ultimately, poor performance. Rohit Sharma, currently grappling with a lack of confidence in his defense, appears to be a prime example of this principle. As India prepares for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa, it remains to be seen whether Rohit can address this weakness in his game and regain his form.
Source: 'Doesn't Trust His Defence': Sanjay Manjrekar On Rohit Sharma's Batting In New Zealand Series