In the next Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25, veteran Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has spoken out against Rohit Sharma’s poor performance and his decision to switch from opening the batting to the middle order. In addition to halting Rohit’s momentum, Pujara claims that this decision has cast doubt on his batting strategy.
Usually a reliable opening batsman, Rohit has been having trouble getting into a groove this series. After Rohit missed the first Test in Perth for personal reasons, he was moved to number six in the batting order. Even though Rohit made a comeback to the starting lineup in the second Test, KL Rahul, who began in Rohit’s place, did well enough to hold onto his top spot.
For Rohit Sharma, though, the adjustment has produced unsatisfactory outcomes.
Rohit scored just 10 runs from 27 balls in the first innings of the current third Test match in Brisbane before edging a Pat Cummins delivery to the wicketkeeper. Pujara discussed the dismissal and offered his opinion.
Driving was not an option for that distance. Even a ball that is longer is difficult to drive, as we have seen. He attempted to punch that ball in some way. Instead of going for that ball, he ought to have defended it and let it come to him. The difficult element, in my opinion, is that the pressure is on him since he hasn’t been among runs. Now batting at number six, he has been beginning the innings,” Pujara stated on Star Sports.
Doesn’t it help you start hitting at number six out of the blue? Thus far, Cheteshwar Pujara
Rohit’s appearances in the series have been concerning. He has only amassed 19 runs in three innings, including just nine in the Adelaide Test, since missing the Perth Test. The right-handed hitter only scored 91 runs in three games during the most recent home series against New Zealand, highlighting his difficulties.
“That is for the team, but I still believe that you put yourself in doubt when you are accustomed to starting the innings and are forced to wait. When you start batting at number six in the opening innings, it really doesn’t help. so that you also don’t gain that momentum,” Pujara continued.
In the meantime, the Australian bowling attack, which is led by Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, has put tremendous pressure on India’s batting order. The visiting side has become unduly dependent on KL Rahul, the sole top-order batsman in form, as a result of the middle-order instability.
Given his form, it makes sense for the team management to keep KL Rahul as an opener, but Rohit’s problems cast doubt on the Indian batting lineup’s balance. It might make sense to put Rohit back in his usual beginning spot, but doing so runs the danger of slowing Rahul’s progress.
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