Cheteshwar Pujara believes Rohit Sharma’s struggles in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy stem largely from his shift to the middle order. According to Pujara, the switch has disrupted Rohit’s natural batting rhythm, leaving him uncertain at the crease. The mounting pressure of low scores has only compounded the Indian skipper’s troubles.
On Tuesday, Rohit fell for just 10 (27) in India’s first innings at the Gabba. Facing Pat Cummins, he edged a fuller-length delivery to Alex Carey behind the stumps. The ball, pitched in the channel, tempted Rohit into an expansive drive. However, his hard hands and lack of foot movement resulted in a thin edge—a dismissal reflective of his recent struggles.
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“It wasn’t a length where you can drive,” Cheteshwar Pujara remarked on Star Sports. “We’ve seen that even fuller-length balls are difficult to drive on these pitches. He tried to punch it when he should’ve defended and allowed the ball to come to him. But when you’re not scoring runs, the pressure builds. That’s where it becomes tough for any batter.”
Pujara further explained that the transition from opening the innings to batting at number six has disrupted Rohit’s game. “He has been used to opening, but now he’s coming in at number six for the team. That change can sow doubts in your mind. When you open the innings, you get into your flow early. But when you wait and wait, it affects your momentum,” Cheteshwar Pujara added.
Rohit has managed just 19 runs in three innings so far. After missing the first Test in Perth for personal reasons, Rohit returned for the Adelaide match. By then, KL Rahul had been chosen to open the innings, and Rohit—along with the management—decided to move down the order to accommodate Rahul’s strong start.
Switching their roles back now presents a dilemma for India. While Rohit is struggling for form, Rahul has been India’s most consistent batter on this tour. At the Gabba, Rahul played a crucial knock of 84 (139) in the first innings, anchoring India through the tough new-ball phase even as wickets fell at the other end.
Rohit’s predicament has left India with a tricky balancing act: support their captain while retaining the stability Rahul has brought to the top order.
