NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar has suggested two key adjustments for Rohit Sharma to rediscover his form ahead of the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Melbourne.
Rohit has struggled in the ongoing series, managing just 19 runs from three innings at an average of 6.33. Bangar believes a change in batting position and fine-tuning his timing could help the Indian skipper regain his rhythm.
Speaking on Star Sports, Bangar proposed that India captain consider batting at number three, a move he feels could benefit both Rohit and the team’s overall balance.
“That is a mantra for any batter. I feel he can do two things. One, can he come to bat at No. 3 because if we have to strengthen our bowling a little and add a little sharpness, he can definitely change his number,” Bangar suggested.
Addressing Rohit’s struggles with his signature pull shot, Bangar pointed out that a slight delay in preparation has hindered his ability to execute the stroke effectively.
“It seems like he is getting slightly late, and he is also getting late because we saw his bat not going forward for his favorite pull shot. He generally doesn’t miss the pull shot. It’s a signal for every batter whether he is playing his best shot or not,” Bangar remarked.
Bangar believes Sharma needs only a few well-timed shots to regain his confidence and rhythm.
“If he stabilizes a little early, he will get a little time to take his foot forward, and then he can play his good shots. The Australians have bowled him short balls, but he has missed many of them. Rohit Sharma needs two or three shots where he can get his rhythm and get a feel,” Bangar explained.
The former batting coach emphasized the importance of “feel” in batting, suggesting that confidence and rhythm can return spontaneously during an innings.
“Batting is a game of feel. If you feel your legs are moving properly and you are able to play your shots, suddenly you feel your lost confidence coming back. It can come in the middle of an innings as well. It’s not necessary that it has to come in the nets,” he said.
