Rohit Sharma bounced back to form with a scintillating hundred (90-ball 119) in the second ODI against England, at Cuttack, on Sunday. It was his 32nd ODI hundred and his first since his 131 against Afghanistan, at the 2023 World Cup. However, the star player’s recent form in the longest version has been debated.
Former India captain and ex-selection committee chairman Dilip Vengsarkar, however, is confident that Rohit’s lean patch in Tests will not affect his batting in the 50 overs format. Revsportz caught up with Vengsarkar during his recent hectic trip to the city. Here are the excerpts:
Rohit Sharma has clearly struggled to score runs in the recent Test tour Down Under. Is it a matter of concern?
Vengsarkar: This can happen to any player, I would say and Rohit is a big-match player. He had a poor run of late. I think he will definitely fire in the big match against Pakistan in the upcoming Champions Trophy. He is an extremely important player for the Indian team. He is experienced and has done well in the past, having scored almost 11 thousand ODI runs. Of course, it was a matter of concern for everybody that he was not amongst runs in the longer format. He must score runs at the top of the order to give the team a good start.
Rohit recently decided to sit out of the Sydney Test due to lack of runs. Is it time to move on in the longer format?
Vengsarkar: He was short on confidence in Australia. He has not scored runs in Test matches recently. When you don’t score, you are invariably short on confidence and this game is all about confidence. Once he (Rohit) gets back his form, he will be a different player.
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What should be Rohit’s approach in trying to get back to form?
Vengsarkar: He must spend time in the middle to get his confidence back because he is too good a player to fail for a long time. Once he gets a big knock, he will be the player we all know. Initial overs are very important in any format of cricket. Once he plays those six-seven overs and gets his eye in, then he will score runs. Once he gets his shot going and legs moving, he will be a different Rohit Sharma.
Virat Kohli too is going through a lean patch. Your thoughts?
Vengsarkar: Yes, like Rohit, Virat also is going through a lean patch and is low on confidence. But what happens with these big players is they bring out the best in big games and I am looking forward to the game against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy. That is what we expect from both Virat and Rohit. I am confident they will score runs, once they get a start.
There is a possibility that Jasprit Bumrah may not be available for the league matches in Champions Trophy. How big a setback will it be for the Indian team?
Vengsarkar: He is a vital cog in the Indian team across formats. He is a match-winner in his own right. He has always given you those breakthroughs. Bumrah needs to be preserved properly and played sparingly. Once he is fit, he will do extremely well for India. If he misses the Champions Trophy, his absence will be felt undoubtedly.
It has not been a great start to Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as the Indian team’s Head Coach in the longest format. Were you disappointed by how he handled the side in Australia?
Vengsarkar: I cannot comment from outside (about) what exactly is the problem. Gambhir has won two World Cups and IPL, both as a player and mentor, but Test match cricket is completely different because every session is important as you have to plan strategies. But his (Gambhir’s) role is restricted as the captain must implement all that is being discussed in the dressing room. It is the batters who needs to go out in the middle and score runs and similarly bowlers picking wickets.
How should the transition phase be carried out in the longer format?
Vengsarkar: I always felt the national cricket academy in Bengaluru can play a very important role because they should be the supply line to Test match cricket. We now have a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence. There is a robust plan and program in place for the India U19 and A teams. You must get the next crop of players from there (NCA).
Who do you reckon should be the next Test captain?
Vengsarkar: I have not watched matches regularly in recent times. So, it will be difficult for me to comment. I am sure there are a couple of good players who can take the job.
Recently, the BCCI took a decision that all big players should play in the Ranji Trophy. What are your thoughts?
Vengsarkar: In my opinion, the players should not be forced to play Ranji Trophy. It should come from within. Yes, it is very important to play first-class cricket. If you are not in form, you should always go back and play first-class cricket and get your mojo back. I once again reiterate that everyone should participate in the Irani Cup and Duleep Trophy and the board should make it mandatory for star players to play domestic cricket whenever they are available.
It is important that all the players participate in the Irani Cup and Duleep Trophy. The selectors can assess the strength and weakness of the players, as to who can be inducted in the senior team. They can be groomed properly, so that they are ready for the next level.
Also Read: ‘It was just a matter of one good innings’ – Jadeja on Rohit’s comeback knock