IND vs BAN: Sunil Gavaskar Questions Rohit Sharma's Decision To Bat At 9 Despite A Brilliant Knock

Sunil Gavaskar, a former Indian opener, has questioned Rohit Sharma’s decision to bat at position nine on December 7 in the second One-Day International against Bangladesh. With captain and all-around player Axar Patel in the center, he believes India may have snuck home.

Despite Rohit Sharma’s late fireworks, India lost their second straight ODI series to Bangladesh. The Mumbai opener, who was forced to play at number nine due to a thumb injury, struck an unbeaten 51 off 28 balls. The visitors, who were going for 271, fell short by five runs.

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Gavaskar stated to Sony that Axar might have batted wisely instead of going out for the huge shot had the skipper come to bat earlier. The left-hander managed to earn a crucial 56(56) before being caught trying to go for the win. Had Rohit come out sooner, in Gavaskar’s opinion, India would have had a better chance of winning.

“In hindsight, you can say that is why did he not come to bat earlier. If he could have come out to bat at number 9, he should have come out to bat at number 7. I think this would have meant that Axar Patel could have batted differently”

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“Axar Patel when he saw Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar, he might have thought that Rohit Sharma was not going to come out and he would not have gone for the unnecessary shot,” Gavaskar stated.

Rohit Sharma to miss the third ODI against Bangladesh:

Rohit Sharma’s participation in the third and final ODI against Bangladesh on Saturday, as well as his status for the ensuing two-Test series, were both confirmed by head coach Rahul Dravid.

“We are struggling with a few injuries as well. Not ideal. Kuldeep, Deepak, and Rohit will certainly miss the next game. Rohit will miss the next game, fly back to Bombay, consulting with an expert. Whether he will return for the Test series or not, I am not sure. It’s too early to say. injections and then get back to the field.”