BGT 2024/25: ‘Hold your horses’ – Gavaskar asks Rohit Sharma to see off first few overs to avoid ‘trouble’

Indian cricket veteran Sunil Gavaskar has pinpointed Rohit Sharma’s weakness, saying Rohit’s attacking style could put him in hot waters. Though the Indian skipper is a proven batter at the top, against Australia Down Under, he perhaps has to hold his horses to avoid getting into trouble.

Gavaskar, a Test veteran, says Rohit likes taking on the bowler up front, something he needs to avoid doing early into the innings against the Aussies. With Mitchell Starc taking the new ball, Gavaskar wants Rohit to avoid attacking him, explaining how a Kookaburra ball (after a certain point) aids batters Down Under, a place which he considers a batting paradise.

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"At the start, he can be troubled by Mitchell Starc's lengths and lines,” Gavaskar said while speaking of Rohit during a chat on Star Sports. “What happens often with Rohit is that his foot doesn't move as much as it should in the first few overs of the contest, because of which he gets into trouble. But, if he can survive the first two or three overs, he can score runs. He needs to get the shot selection right. That's not just for Rohit Sharma but for any batter.”

Gavaskar stressed how playing the waiting game in foreign conditions works as a magic wand for touring batters, adding Rohit can pile tons of runs only by applying himself better.

“Like I said, Australian pitches are good for batters. And they use Kookaburra ball. It doesn't swing or seam much after the first 15 overs,” Gavaskar explained. “Test cricket is a five-day match. If you show some restraint in the first session, then you can score runs.”

Rohit’s status remains unknown

Contrary to constant speculations of Rohit missing the first Test against Australia for personal reasons, the BCCI and the team management have kept mum on the matter, leaving it to Rohit to decide on his participation. Though Rohit stayed in Mumbai to be with his wife, who is expecting their second child, the remainder of the BGT-bound Test squad has already reached Australia.

Should Rohit remain unavailable for selection for the Perth Test, KL Rahul will open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. The right-handed batter, however, suffered an elbow injury playing against India-A in a WACA simulation game on Friday (Nov 15). Rahul left the field immediately with discomfort, with the medical team attending him on the sidelines.

Also, in Rohit’s absence, ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah will lead India against Australia in the Perth Test.

(With inputs from agencies)