Rohit Sharma's survival at stake in India vs Australia claims Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar has called for a game-changing shift in Rohit Sharma’s batting approach as India gears up for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia, starting with the first Test on November 22 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

With an ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final spot hanging in the balance, the legendary Indian batter has suggested that Rohit Sharma should curb his trademark attacking style in the early overs; instead, he should focus on a steady and calculated start in the upcoming Test series.

Sunil Gavaskar urges Rohit Sharma to rein in aggression early in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Sunil Gavaskar believes that by controlling his initial desire for expansive strokes against Australia’s fearsome bowling attack, featuring the pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood, he can establish a strong platform for the national team in the upcoming intense Test series.

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The former Indian captain advised Rohit Sharma to avoid his temptation to play big shots from the start to save early pitfalls, especially against Mitchell Starc’s threatening early deliveries that have historically tested batters across the world on Australian soil.

He can be troubled by Mitchell Starc's lengths and lines: Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar said on Star Sports: “At the start, he can be troubled by Mitchell Starc's lengths and lines. What happens often with Rohit is that his foot doesn't move as much as it should in the first few overs of the contest, because of which he gets into trouble. But, if he can survive the first two or three overs, he can score runs. He needs to get the shot selection right. That's not just for Rohit Sharma but for any batter.”

Sunil Gavaskar simply told Rohit to keep his aggressive opener aside just enough to find his footing against Australia’s strong new-ball attack, as the right-handed batter has been already going through a rough patch, so it is important for him to first get back his rhythm in the upcoming Test series.

The former Indian captain has further emphasized that the unpredictable Australian pitches require a patient, measured response, as the Kookaburra ball loses its bite after the initial phase of the game.

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Sunil Gavaskar advises a calculated start for Rohit Sharma on the Australia tour

According to the legendary batter, Rohit’s patience could transform the game, rewarding him with big scores and boosting India’s chances in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Gavaskar signed off by saying, “Like I said, Australian pitches are good for batters. And they use a Kookaburra ball. It doesn't swing or seam much after the first 15 overs. Test cricket is a five-day match. If you show some restraint in the first session, then you can score runs.”

Speaking about Rohit’s Test stats in Australia, the Indian opener has scored 408 runs at an average of 31.38 in seven matches so far. However, the senior batter is likely to miss the first Test against Australia in Perth due to the birth of his second child, and he is still in India.