Ahead of the much-awaited Gabba Test between India and Australia in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Indian cricketers Cheteshwar Pujara and Harbhajan Singh have shared their thoughts on Rohit Sharma’s form and its impact on his captaincy. Speaking exclusively to Star Sports, both former players stressed the importance of Rohit regaining his batting touch to strengthen his leadership on the field.
Pujara’s advice to Rohit: Start steady and capitalise
Cheteshwar Pujara highlighted the connection between a captain’s batting form and his decision-making. He said, “When a captain is out of form, it affects his captaincy as well.” According to Pujara, the key for Rohit lies in building a solid foundation at the crease.
“Rohit should focus on getting his first 20 or 30 runs steadily. Once he finds his rhythm, he can convert the start into a big score,” Pujara added. He expressed confidence in Rohit’s abilities as an experienced batter, stating that with steady starts, the Indian skipper can overcome his lean patch.
Harbhajan on Rohit Sharma
Harbhajan Singh repeated similar sentiments, emphasising that scoring runs will boost Rohit’s confidence and decision-making as a captain. “No matter how big a player is, he is always worried about his performance,” Harbhajan said. He believes that a batter in form is better equipped to make crucial decisions during matches.
“When Rohit scores runs, he will think better and do better things. Let’s hope he finds his form soon so that his captaincy also improves,” Harbhajan concluded.
Rohit Sharma’s struggles continue
Rohit Sharma has been struggling in Test cricket for a few months now, not just as a batter but as a captain as well. Rohit led India in a historic Test series against New Zealand, which they lost 3-0. He then missed the first Test against Australia in Perth, where India, under Jasprit Bumrah’s captaincy, secured a historic victory by 295 runs. KL Rahul performed well as an opener in that Test, resulting in Rohit Sharma having to change his batting position as well in the second Test, where India had a humiliating loss by 10 wickets.
