Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Rohit Sharma's recent struggles with his batting form are down to lack of confidence and self-doubt. Despite a solid start to 2024, Rohit has been in form since the home Test series against Bangladesh in September.
In his last 13 Test innings, Rohit Sharma has averaged less than 12 with just one half-century to his name. The Indian captain's batting performance in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy was also underwhelming, managing just 19 runs in three innings at an average of 6.33.
Sanjay Manjrekar highlights Rohit Sharma's struggles with confidence amid poor form
Ahead of the ongoing Australian tour, India's veteran opener averaged under 16 during India's 0-3 Test series loss to New Zealand at home. However, Rohit batted at No.6 in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 following KL Rahul's strong performance at the top of the order.
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Sanjay Manjrekar was quoted by ESPNCricinfo as saying, “He lacks confidence and has self-doubt. And a bit of a rude shock when he played in that home series against New Zealand and his defense was breached on Indian pitches.
Ahead of the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the MCG on October 26, Sanjay Manjrekar pointed out that Rohit Sharma's defensive technique seems to be letting him down, unlike his successful performance in England 2021 when he scored 368 runs in four tests. at an average of 52.57.
He just can't find the defensive game: Sanjay Manjrekar
The cricket expert also said, “So for someone who in 2021 when he had that great series in England, he scored at a strike rate of 42, which is a bit like Pujara, and the entire series he batted for approximately 21. hours. This was a new discovery for all of us, and now that he has to bring that game back, he just can't find the defensive game. So that's where the problem is – he just tore his defense apart.”
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During the 2021 England Test series, the right-handed batsman's ability to bat long innings and his solid technique were highly praised by many. Well, Manjrekar suggested that the lack of confidence is now affecting Rohit's game, making it difficult for him to regain his form and repeat that performance.
Sanjay Manjrekar recalls Rohit Sharma's performance in England 2021 series
Manjrekar recalled: “I remember commentating on that (England 2021) series and he kept saying, 'This is Pujara-like', the way he was grinding. And I thought it was the revival of Rohit Sharma, the Test cricketer who got those two centuries in the first two Tests. I also felt that this was his true calling; that's what he likes to do, which is to play time like a typical Mumbai batsman.”
Notably, the ongoing 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy is currently tied 1-1 after the Gabba Test ended in a draw with India winning the first Test in Perth while Australia emerged victorious in the second second Test at Adelaide. Now, the fourth Test in Melbourne will decide the fate of BGT.