IND vs AUS : Rohit Sharma To Bat Up The Order? Ex India Coach Suggests New Slot Ahead Of Melbourne Test

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Sanjay Bangar, ex India cricketer and former batting coach of Team India has offered a valuable piece of advise to India's captain Rohit Sharma, who is currently struggling with his form in the longest format.

It's worth mentioning that Rohit has managed only 19 runs across two games in the ongoing series against Australia, maintaining a poor average of 6.33.

Bat At No. 3

Rohit Sharma gave up his place as an opener to make room for the in-form KL Rahul, shifting to the number six position in the middle order, but he is yet to leave his mark in the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Sanjay Bangar believes one option for the Indian skipper is to push himself higher up the batting order and take on the number three role.

"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 said.

Shot Selections

Bangar has also advised Rohit to focus on stabilizing his stance early, which would allow him more time to execute his shots effectively, including his signature pull shot. He suggested that hitting a couple of confident strokes could help Rohit regain his rhythm and counter Australia's short-ball strategy.

"It seems like he is getting slightly late, and he is also getting late because we saw his bat not going forward for his favourite 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," he explained.

"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 further added.

Boxing Day Test

As Sharma's first innings average in 2024 has dropped to 8, it's high time for Rohit to step up and prove everyone wrong ahead of the new year.