Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed concern over captain Rohit Sharma’s defensive technique, particularly in the ongoing second Test against New Zealand. Rohit’s nine-ball duck in the first innings, dismissed by Tim Southee, has raised questions about his approach while defending.
Manjrekar highlighted Rohit’s struggles against Southee, who has now dismissed him 14 times in international cricket, the joint-most by any bowler. He pointed out that Rohit’s loose defense, which was a concern at the start of his international career, has resurfaced.
“He would not take a step forward and he would react just with the bat, that is starting to happen,” Manjrekar said. “He was able to leave balls outside the off stump, but they have worked out a way to bowl to Rohit Sharma.”
Manjrekar believes that Rohit’s vulnerability stems from his tendency to react with the bat rather than using his pad to defend. “That makes him a little vulnerable when there is a little bit in the pitch and the ball is hard,” he said.
However, Manjrekar praised Rohit’s temperament and suggested that he needs to tighten up his defense. “He just maybe has to tighten up his defense a little more and things should be okay,” he added.
Rohit’s dismissal in the first innings has put pressure on the Indian captain, who has been under scrutiny for his recent form. He will be looking to bounce back in the second innings and prove that he can overcome his defensive deficiencies.
