'Rohit was out of form last year as well': Manjrekar's ‘WTC Final’ remark | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

'Keep Rohit's IPL form side. He was out of form last year as well': Manjrekar's colossal 'WTC Final' statement

Jun 02, 2023 08:19 AM IST

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar spoke in detail about concerns relating to Rohit Sharma's form ahead of WTC Final.

Team India returns to action on June 7 when the side takes on Australia in the final of the World Test Championship. The Rohit Sharma-led side will be aiming to move past the disappointment of 2021 when India – under Virat Kohli's captaincy – endured a loss to New Zealand in the inaugural edition of the WTC. This year, however, there's another major concern for the side going into the final; the form of their skipper Rohit.

Rohit Sharma(BCCI)
Rohit Sharma(BCCI)

The 36-year-old star opener has had a disappointing 2023 Indian Premier League campaign; while he did steer the Mumbai Indians into playoffs, Rohit's performances with the bat left much to be desired. In 16 matches for the side, Rohit scored 332 runs at a poor average of 20.75, and a strike rate of 132.80.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Also read: Hayden delivers blistering take on India's ICC title drought before WTC final, drops huge prediction on IPL superstar

However, former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes the team management shouldn't be fretting over Rohit's form, insisting that the opener finds comfort in Test cricket.

“Keep his IPL form aside because he looked out of form in the last IPL as well… we saw the amazing batting he did in the first Test match against Australia. I believe the stage of his career Rohit Sharma is in, Test cricket seems to be the most exciting format for him just like it has always been for Virat Kohli,” Manjrekar told Star Sports.

“His batting has become almost faultless in Test cricket at the moment. There is just one problem we have seen in Test matches - he gets out while playing the pull shot at times. They have bowled him a short ball and kept a fielder there. That is an instinctive shot.”

Manjrekar, then, went on to explain how Rohit uses his follow-through to power his pull shot.

“If you see in ODI cricket, his pull shot is extremely interesting. His back lift doesn't come from the top, so that he can play the ball down. He has a very low back lift, he just picks up the ball and the bat then goes behind his back in the follow-through to give the power,” said Manjrekar.

Rohit, indeed, had a poorer IPL campaign in 2022 when he failed to cross the 300-run mark as well; in 14 matches, he scored only 268 runs. In fact, Rohit's last 400+ run season came in 2019, when he had scored 405 runs in 15 games.

Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Scores, and get exclusive insights with the RCB vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2024 Schedule, match highlights, and more. Explore a comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and Orange Cap in IPL 2024, check Virat Kohli performance and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times website and app.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    At HT Sports Desk, passionate reporters work round the clock to provide detailed updates from the world of sports. Expect nuanced match reports, previews,reviews, technical analysis based on statistics, the latest social media trends, expert opinions on cricket, football, tennis, badminton, hockey,motorsports, wrestling, boxing, shooting, athletics and much more.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On