Former Indian national cricket team batting coach Sanjay Bangar has given a crucial suggestion to the Gautam Gambhir-led Indian team management regarding skipper Rohit Sharma's batting position in Test cricket.
Sanjay Bangar has hinted that the team management may promote Rohit Sharma back to the top order – this time at No. 3, which is currently occupied by future superstar Shubman Gill.
Rohit Sharma is having a horror run in BGT
India skipper Rohit Sharma has missed the opening Test series of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy to spend some time with his wife after the birth of their second child.
India did not miss the services of Rohit in the first game and won the match quite comfortably under Jasprit Bumrah. Rohit Sharma returned to the team in the second game and they lost the match in Adelaide.
After that, the third Test match in Brisbane ended in a draw, mainly due to rain playing spoilsport. Rohit Sharma's batting form was absolutely dreadful in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 as he scored less runs than Jasprit Bumrah.
While batting at his new position, No.6, after sacrificing the opening slot to KL Rahul, Rohit registered scores of 3, 6 and 10, making his total 19 runs at an average of 6 ,33.
One, he can come to bat at No. 3 because if we need to strengthen our bowling a bit – Sanjay Bangar
Sanjay Bangar, meanwhile, said Rohit's batting position could be changed if India want to strengthen their bowling unit and suggested the captain spend some time in the middle order to regain his form.
“That's a mantra for any batsman. I feel he can do two things. One, he can come in to bat at No. 3 because if we need to tighten up our bowling a bit and add a bit of clarity, surely he can change his number? ”, Bangar told Star Sports.
Bangar also noted that Rohit was lagging a bit while facing the pacers, which was a big concern.
“Other than that, get ready a little early. It seems like he's a little late, and he's also late because I've seen his bat not go forward for his favorite shot. He generally doesn't miss the shot. It's a signal for every batsman whether he is playing his best shot or not,” he observed.
While offering a solution to the problem facing Rohit, the former India batting coach said that the Indian skipper needs to “settle down a bit early” and will give him some extra time to play shots.
“If he settles down a bit early, he will have a bit of time to get his foot forward and then he can play his good shots. The Australians bowled him short balls but he missed a lot of them. Rohit Sharma needs two or three. photos where he can get his rhythm and feel,” he said.
“Batting is a game of feeling. If you feel like your feet are moving properly and you can play your shots, suddenly you feel like you've lost your confidence. It can also come in the middle of an inning. It's not necessary that they have to come into the nets,” Bangar concluded.