Aakash Chopra believes Rohit Sharma isn’t neglecting his batting in the ongoing India-England Test series. Yet, he recognizes Rohit Sharma has experienced a few easy outs in the initial two Tests.
The series stands at a 1-1 tie currently. England secured a 28-run victory in the first Test in Hyderabad. India retaliated with a 106-run triumph in Visakhapatnam. To date, Rohit Sharma’s performance has been lackluster, only contributing 90 runs with a modest average of 22.50.
In a YouTube video, Chopra was questioned if Rohit Sharma should emphasize his batting more. His response:
“I won’t say he is not concentrating on his batting because it’s not his first series as a captain. He has captained earlier as well and has done well also as a captain.
“However, let’s be honest the way he has gotten out, some shots were avoidable, like in the first match, the shot he played against Jack Leach after jumping down the track was ordinary. After that, in the first innings in Vizag, the shot he played against Shoaib Bashir was slightly lazy.”
Aakash Chopra
James Anderson got caught in the second round in Visakhapatnam. In Hyderabad’s second event, he was stuck in front of the wickets.
“You knew there was a fielder present there. Jimmy Anderson bowled a good ball in the second innings. In the second innings in Hyderabad as well, the ball pitched and came in, and hit his pads.”
Aakash Chopra
Rohit Sharma has not got a fifty in the series so far. His greatest performance was a 39-run knock during India’s failed chase in Hyderabad.
“It’s absolutely necessary for Rohit Sharma to come in form if India have to win this series” – Aakash Chopra
India should win the series against England. He stated:
“However, the truth is that it’s absolutely necessary for Rohit Sharma to come in form if India have to win this series. It is not optional, he has to come in form.”
Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra also stated that England’s bowlers would be vulnerable if Rohit batted all day.
“The opposition bowling is looking slightly weak to you but they are punching above their weight. However, if Rohit Sharma bats one full day, he will make it evident how ordinary the England bowling standard, especially the spin bowling, is. He is that good.”
Aakash Chopra
Rohit Sharma has scored 3827 runs at an excellent 44.50 average in 56 Tests. He has a far better record at home, scoring 2092 runs at an average of 61.52 in 26 games.