After a stellar performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where Rohit Sharma emerged as the second-highest run-scorer, his recent Test form has been a stark contrast. In the past two months, as India hosted Bangladesh and New Zealand for Test series, Rohit has struggled to make an impact with the bat. His cautious approach at the crease has been noticeably different from his usual confident style, sparking discussions about his current Test strategy.
Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik believes that Rohit’s recent struggles stem from a lack of confidence in his technique, which he had relied on successfully when he first started opening in Tests. “Rohit’s missing the one thing he had mastered when he became an opener: trust in his technique,” Dinesh Karthik explained on Cricbuzz Chatter.
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He suggested that Rohit’s inclination to attack without fully backing his defensive skills is proving counterproductive. “Attacking is an option, but it’s more effective when you trust your defense. If you’re hesitant about defending and then decide to attack, it’s a risky approach. When it doesn’t work, it can appear reckless,” Karthik noted.
Karthik elaborated on how Rohit’s aggressive tendencies, which have proven valuable in white-ball cricket, are causing issues in Tests. He suggested that Rohit’s instinct to counter pressure by playing an attacking shot is pushing him into dangerous territory in the longer format.
“In Test cricket, his intent to attack under pressure can sometimes backfire. Unlike limited-overs matches, Test cricket demands patience, and an instinct to attack at the wrong time can lead to easy dismissals,” Dinesh Karthik observed.
Currently serving as a batting coach for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Karthik also addressed Rohit’s shift towards a more aggressive mindset, attributing it to a desire for comfort at the crease. “Rohit seems to feel safer attacking, perhaps because he has experienced success with this approach. But in Tests, this tactic can be misleading, especially when it doesn’t work,” he added, highlighting how the approach might contribute to inconsistency.
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Since taking on the role of an opener in Tests, Rohit has played 37 matches, amassing 2,685 runs at an average of 44.01, including nine centuries and eight fifties. His recent form, however, raises questions about whether he needs to refine his Test technique and adapt his strategy to sustain success in the longest format. With crucial overseas tours on the horizon, many feel that a return to his earlier method—one that balanced aggression with defensive stability—could help Rohit rediscover his rhythm in Tests.
