Sanjay Manjrekar has raised concerns over Rohit Sharma’s dual role as a batsman and captain, suggesting that the latter might be exerting undue pressure on himself to leave a significant mark. Despite Rohit’s recent struggles with the bat, failing to notch a fifty in his last eight Test innings, he faced additional scrutiny for his captaincy approach in the first Test against England in Hyderabad.
“I just wonder whether Rohit Sharma is getting too caught up in trying to make an impact as a leader. It’s got to be Rohit Sharma the batter first and then the captain because when you’re captain, most things are beyond your control,” Sanjay Manjrekar expressed to ESPNCricinfo.
India’s loss in Hyderabad marked their fourth Test defeat at home in the past decade, with England’s dominant performance, including Tom Hartley’s exceptional seven-wicket haul, sealing their triumph. However, a resurgent Indian side bounced back strongly in Vizag, clinching a commanding 106-run victory to level the series at 1-1.
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Manjrekar offered guidance to Rohit, urging him to adopt the pragmatic approach of legendary captain MS Dhoni, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the process and allowing outcomes to unfold naturally. However, he underscored that batting, a facet within Rohit’s control, should remain a priority.
“Try and do the right things and hold the words of MS Dhoni. You do the process and wait for things to happen, but batting is something that’s within his control very much,” Sanjay Manjrekar advised.
Furthermore, Manjrekar encouraged Rohit to draw inspiration from his past successes, particularly his standout performances against England and Australia at home.
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“If Rohit Sharma becomes the Rohit Sharma for a couple of years back, especially the one that we saw in England in that full series would be great. The Rohit Sharma that we saw in the first Test match in the home series against Australia. He’s got to go back to where he looked like a batter who looked supreme in Test matches. We want Rohit Sharma getting runs,” Sanjay Manjrekar concluded.
