"Sometimes, Your Favorite Stroke Can Lead to Your Downfall" – VVS Laxman On Rohit Sharma’s Dismissal

Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman was extremely disappointed with the way Rohit Sharma got out in the second innings of the second Test against England at Lord’s. Rohit was dismissed by Mark Wood while playing his trademark pull shot at a crucial point in the innings. His dismissal left India in troubled waters.

Laxman pointed out that a clear trap was set by the Englishmen and a batsman of Rohit’s experience should never fall into it. This is the second time in three innings that Rohit Sharma has been dismissed while playing the front-foot pull shot. In a conversation with ESPNcricinfo, Laxman said:

“Rohit Sharma has let himself down. We have seen him get out in that fashion in the first Test in Nottingham as well. Sometimes your favorite stroke can lead to your downfall. In the very same over, he got a beautiful six over fine leg.”

“When the opposition captain makes a change, it is very clear that it is their line of attack and they want Rohit Sharma to play (a particular shot). It was a trap for Rohit Sharma and he, unfortunately, fell into that. He is a much more experienced player than what we saw with that shot selection.”

Just a few moments earlier, the centurion of the first innings, KL Rahul, was dismissed. The need of the hour was for Rohit to stick around and make sure India doesn’t fall behind the eight-ball.

“After Rahul got out, it was very important for Rohit to carry on. The way he was batting, there were some beautiful drives. He was timing the ball really well. Rohit needed to carry on his good form. Very disappointed with that shot selection from him,” Laxman reckoned.

“Rohit Sharma could have easily left the ball alone” – VVS Laxman

Laxman, who is the mentor of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, pointed out that a batsman needs to know when exactly he can attempt a shot, especially in Test matches. Rohit, while playing on 21, threw his wicket away in his quest to go after a ball that should have been left alone, as per Laxman.

“Rohit or any stroke players would want to play their shots, only then can they put pressure on the bowlers. But when the opposition is trying to get you out in one fashion, that is where you have got to have other options.”

“It is very important to know when to leave the ball and when to play the pull shot. If you see the line of the ball (that dismissed Rohit), it was way outside the leg stump. Rohit could have easily left the ball alone. He will be disappointed with the option he chose,” Laxman expressed.

Following Rohit’s dismissal, skipper Virat Kohli walked out and played fluent strokes before he was also dismissed chasing a wide delivery off Sam Curran.

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