"He doesn’t know where to go": Rohit Sharma’s friend exposes his 'technical problem'

Former Indian cricketer Parthiv Patel addressed the growing concerns surrounding Rohit Sharma’s form and the challenges it brings to the Indian cricket team in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia. With KL Rahul looking comfortable after reclaiming the opening spot, Rohit’s struggles have become even harder to overlook.

The Indian captain, now batting at No.6, has been far from his best in the ongoing five-match Test series Down Under, and now his strange dismissal at the Gabba against Pat Cummins raised more questions about Rohit’s technique and mindset.

Parthiv Patel questions Rohit Sharma's form and footwork

The commentator admitted that the Indian cricket team now finds itself in a tough spot, and Rohit’s inability to deliver, both as a captain and a batter, has become increasingly difficult to ignore. Notably, Rohit has been going through a rough phase after the England series at home and has not yet found his mojo back.

Parthi Patel said on Cricbuzz: “Yes, it is difficult (to ignore); there is no doubt about it. When you captain is playing such cricket for a longer time, and runs aren't coming, then the pressure is on the team and the captain. And it is clearly seen on the ground. The pressure is seen in how Rohit bats and the decision takes on the field.”

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The right-handed batter’s poor run in Australia has exposed a glaring issue. After his Gabba dismissal, Parthiv Patel felt that Rohit’s unconvincing footwork had been his biggest weakness, leading to frequent outside edges or clean dismissals.

We want Rohit Sharma to perform well: Parthiv Patel

He admitted that whether it’s his hesitant front foot or his lack of confidence at the crease, the uncertainty in Rohit’s game is undeniable. As a captain, such performances not only put pressure on him but also on the entire team, which is beginning to show in Rohit Sharma’s body language and decision-making on the field, according to Patel.

Patel further explained, “There is uncertainty in his footwork. His front foot is not going forward; he is playing from away, and that’s why he is getting outside edges or missing the edge and getting hit on the stumps. So, there is definitely uncertainty in Rohit’s footwork, and it is seen everywhere, and it is difficult to ignore it. We want Rohit Sharma to perform well both as a captain and as a player, but we are not seeing that man now.”

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma’s poor form has become a major concern, with just 62 runs in 7 innings at an average of a little over 8. This series of flop shows raised questions about whether his struggles are due to a clouded mindset or technical flaws.

There is no need to play Test cricket like white-ball: Parthiv Patel

Parthiv Patel pointed out that Rohit is adjusting to a different batting position, but he doesn’t need to approach Test cricket like a white-ball game. In the past, Rohit tasted success in Tests by being patient, leaving deliveries early on, and then playing his natural game.

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However, there is now a noticeable lack of confidence in his footwork, which has led to technical issues, according to the former Indian wicketkeeper-batter. He feels Rohit needs to play his natural game in Test cricket.

Parthiv feels Rohit is struggling due to technical flaws and mental uncertainty, saying if a batter is mentally assured, he can often overcome technical shortcomings, but unfortunately, the Indian skipper is struggling to find a clear direction.

Parthiv Patel signed off by saying, “He is playing in a different position, but there is no need to play Test cricket like white-ball games. We saw Rohit Sharma make long runs in Test cricket when he let the ball go in the beginning and played his natural game. You have to bring that surety in your footwork. There is no surety in his footwork. There is a technical problem. But if you are mentally sure, you can overcome it. But he is standing at the crossroads. He doesn't know where to go.”