Sachin Tendulkar Showers Praise On "Positive" Rohit Sharma's Test Performances

Former Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar lauded the improved performances of Indian opener, Rohit Sharma, in the last couple of years. On the back of his form, Rohit has also been made the vice-captain of the Test team.

Early on in his career, Rohit wasn’t seen as a red-ball batsman due to his technique. Moving forward to 2021, the 34-year-old ‘Hitman’ has silenced all his critics, comfortably being India’s best batsman both at home and away in Tests.

Speaking about the new vice-captain, Tendulkar said on Boria Majumdar’s show: “It is mental. When you start telling yourself ‘this is something that I’m not gonna do’, (it will be) the first thing you’re going to do. I would much rather say that try and give yourself a message on what you’re expected to do and what you want to do, instead of what you shouldn’t do.”

Rohit scored his maiden Test century in England during India’s tour of England in August-September 2021. When the same opponents toured India, he was once again at the forefront of the 3-1 demolishing, scoring on tough pitches.

“It’s all about positive reinforcement” – Sachin Tendulkar

Prior to his promotion to the top of the batting order in Tests, Rohit was played at No.5 as he was considered to be weak against the moving ball, which meant the new ball bowlers could infiltrate his defence. But as seen on the England tour, Rohit has shown he is capable of playing against the swinging ball and a lot of it is down to his confidence.

“It’s all about positive reinforcement; the positive energy flowing in your body reflects. Your movements are fluid, you’re not tight. Nervous energy can be picked by opposition; it’s like a man-eater when it knows there’s prey around, it pounces on. That’s exactly what the bowler does to a batter,” Tendulkar added.

Rohit’s rise in 2021 has also seen him promoted to the post of captain in both white-ball formats.

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