Rohit Sharma may continue to bat at number six for India in the upcoming third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia despite calls for his return to the opening slot.
However, there is pressure from cricket pundits for Rohit to replace KL Rahul at the top; the Indian skipper is likely set to stick to his No. 6 position for The Gabba Test, starting on December 14.
Rohit Sharma likely to stay at No. 6 for Gabba Test despite calls for the opening return
Rohit Sharma had a miserable outing in the second Test against Australia, scoring 3 and 6 during India’s embarrassing 10-wicket defeat at the Adelaide Oval after returning from paternity leave.
His stats in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) are better as an opener, but many believe that his age and form make the number six slot a better fit for the skipper.
A BCCI Level 3 coach claimed that Rohit’s limited footwork and slower reflexes are common issues with age, but they make it harder for him to open against world-class bowlers. With his current footwork, the coach emphasized that Rohit’s performance as an opener won’t be that effective.
‘He is getting squared up more often than not’: Coach on Rohit Sharma
A qualified batting coach was quoted as saying by PTI on conditions of anonymity: “Rohit Sharma has had very limited footwork all his career, even when he was in his prime. Obviously, at 37 and a half years, the reflexes have slowed down, and he is picking the length a trifle late. If you look at Rohit’s dismissals even in India, he is getting squared up more often than not.”
He further explained, “The reason being his front-foot stride is becoming shorter with age. For example, if you have pronounced front-foot side, say three feet, you are able to cut the angle of deviation of a delivery off the surface. But if your stride is just a foot and a quarter, you are allowing the same delivery to shape in or shape out. So, a world-class bowler will attack both your inside edge and outside edge.”
Rohit Sharma can play his customary attacking game and get quick runs at No.6: BCCI coach
The coach further noted that Rohit, at No. 6, would face a less challenging ball, likely older or semi-old, which would suit his attacking style. He added that the number six position would also allow the right-handed batter to capitalize on the tiring bowlers after they’ve bowled long spells.
He signed off by saying, “With his current footwork, the Red Kookaburra would again dart around and seam at the Gabba if he opens. If he comes in at No. 6, there is every chance that it will be either an old or semi-old Kookaburra with a suppressed seam, and it won’t do much. He can play his customary attacking game and get quick runs. If he comes when the second new ball is taken, that means (Mitchell) Starc and (Pat) Cummins have both bowled 25-odd overs.”
Earlier, former Indian selector Devang Gandhi said that dropping Rohit to No. 6 was the correct call by the Indian team management. He added that his numbers in SENA countries are not that impressive to prove that he has had tremendous success as an opener, so this position is perfect for him.