Shastri Encourages India to Address KL Rahul Dilemma and Rohit Sharma’s Performance Concerns
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has expressed his views on India’s performance in the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, raising concerns over captain Rohit Sharma’s subdued body language and batting struggles. While supporting Rohit’s decision to bat in the middle order, Shastri emphasized the importance of the Indian skipper returning to his familiar opening position in the upcoming Test at Gabba.
Rohit Sharma’s Middle-Order Experiment
Rohit Sharma, who missed the series opener in Perth to be with his family for the birth of his second child, was replaced as an opener by KL Rahul. The latter seized the opportunity with a resilient 77, forging a record 201-run partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal. This remarkable performance prompted India to retain the successful opening combination for the Adelaide Test, pushing Rohit down the order to bat at No. 6.
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However, the decision didn’t yield the desired results. Rohit struggled to adapt to the middle-order role, scoring just 3 and 6 across two innings. On the other hand, Rahul continued his steady run, solidifying his place in the top order.
Shastri’s Call for Change
In his post-match remarks to the broadcasters, Shastri expressed concerns over Rohit’s lackluster performance, attributing it to the change in batting position. He pointed out the Indian captain’s subdued body language, which he believed stemmed from his poor form with the bat.
“That’s why I want him at the top,” Shastri stated. “That’s where he can be aggressive and expressive. Watching him play, I felt his body language was unusually subdued. The fact that he didn’t score runs seemed to reflect on his overall demeanor on the field.”
Shastri argued that Rohit’s natural game thrives in the opening role, where he can set the tone with his aggressive style. He suggested moving Rahul to the middle order, a position the batsman was initially slated to occupy had Rohit played the first Test.
Lessons from Past Series Dynamics
Shastri also reminded the team of the cyclical nature of contests between India and Australia, emphasizing the need for resilience and belief. “You’ve seen with these two teams that the counter-punch is almost immediate. You lose one, you win the next. But to do that, you need belief,” he added.
Critique of Captaincy Decisions
Apart from his batting, Rohit’s captaincy also came under scrutiny in the second Test. Shastri questioned the underutilization of R. Ashwin on Day 1 and the missed opportunities to bring Jasprit Bumrah into the attack during crucial moments. These tactical oversights, according to Shastri, cost India dearly in the match, which they lost by 10 wickets.
Inspiration from Pat Cummins
Shastri highlighted the leadership qualities of Australian captain Pat Cummins, who led his team to a remarkable comeback in the second Test after their loss in Perth. He lauded Cummins for his measured response, saying, “I liked the way Cummins handled the situation. After the Perth defeat, he acknowledged that the team wasn’t good enough, but also emphasized they weren’t as bad as the scoreboard suggested.”
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Shastri urged India to adopt a similar mindset. “It’s not about what critics say or what the media writes; it’s about how you perceive your performance and prepare for the next challenge,” he explained.
Balancing the Squad
With two Tests remaining in the series, Shastri’s suggestions underline the need for India to strike the right balance in their lineup. Returning Rohit to his usual position as opener could restore his confidence and allow him to lead by example. Meanwhile, Rahul’s adaptability makes him a strong candidate for the No. 6 spot, where he could play a pivotal role in stabilizing the middle order.
Conclusion
India’s defeat in the Adelaide Test has raised questions about the team’s tactics and individual performances. Ravi Shastri’s analysis offers a blueprint for addressing these concerns, particularly the roles of Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. By leveraging their strengths and learning from past experiences, India can bounce back stronger and aim for a series victory.
The Gabba Test will be a critical juncture in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma to see if he can lead India from the front and deliver a commanding performance.
