‘Can He Come To Bat At No. 3?’: Rohit Sharma’s Struggle Can Take A Backseat With This Change

Last Updated:December 21, 2024, 23:11 IST

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar opined that the mantra to regain confidence is to spend some time in the middle. He also suggested that the team management can Rohit at the number 3.

India captain Rohit Sharma [AP Photo]

Indian captain Rohit Sharma has been struggling for form in Test cricket, with a lacklustre home season against Bangladesh and New Zealand followed by underwhelming performances in Australia. Having sacrificed his opening spot to accommodate the in-form KL Rahul, Rohit moved to the middle-order but has yet to make an impact in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

As the Boxing Day Test approaches, former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar has offered advice to the struggling captain. Speaking on Star Sports, Bangar emphasized the importance of spending time at the crease to rebuild confidence and suggested a possible change in Rohit’s batting position.

“That is a mantra for any batter. I feel he can do two things. One, can he come to bat at No. 3 because if we have to strengthen our bowling a little and add a little sharpness, he can definitely change his number,” Bangar said.

Bangar also pointed out that Rohit’s timing appears to be off, particularly when attempting his signature pull shot.

“It seems like he is getting slightly late, and he is also getting late because we saw his bat not going forward for his favourite pull shot. He generally doesn’t miss the pull shot. It’s a signal for every batter whether he is playing his best shot or not,” he explained.

The former coach stressed the need for Rohit to adjust his technique by stabilizing early at the crease and focusing on playing a couple of key shots to regain his rhythm.

“If he stabilizes a little early, he will get a little time to take his foot forward, and then he can play his good shots. The Australians have bowled him short balls, but he has missed many of them. Rohit Sharma needs two or three shots where he can get his rhythm and get a feel,” Bangar added.

“Batting is a game of feel. If you feel your legs are moving properly and you can play your shots, suddenly you feel your lost confidence coming back. It can come in the middle of an innings as well. It’s not necessary that it has to come in the nets,” he concluded.

With the critical Boxing Day Test looming, fans and team management will be hoping for a big knock from Rohit to end the year on a high note.

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