Rohit Sharma Urged to Bat at No. 3 to Reclaim Form in Australia: ‘A Key Strategy for Any Batsman’

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has suggested that skipper Rohit Sharma should focus on spending more time in the middle in order to regain his form. Rohit has been facing difficulties against the pacers recently and has not been able to perform well with the bat. Despite trying various positions in the batting order, including opening and batting at number 6, he has not been able to make a significant impact in the matches against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Bangar believes that getting his rhythm back by spending more time at the crease will be crucial for Rohit to bounce back from his current slump.

The 37-year-old hit just one fifty in his last 13 Test innings, while on the Australian tour, he managed only one double-digit score - 10 - in three innings.

Bangar asserted that the mantra for any batter to regain his confidence is to spend some time in the middle. He also suggested that the team management can use him at the number 3 spot if they want to add strength to their bowling.

"That is a mantra for any batter. I feel he can do two things. One, can he come to bat at No. 3 because if we have to strengthen our bowling a little and add a little sharpness, he can definitely change his number," Bangar told Star Sports.

The former India batting coach pointed out what is not working for Rohit at the moment. He claimed that swashbuckling batter is getting a bit late in terms of playing the shot which is leading to the errors he has been committing against pacers.

"Apart from that, prepare yourself a little early. It seems like he is getting slightly late and he is also getting late because we saw his bat not going forward for his favorite pull shot. He generally doesn't miss the pull shot. It's a signal for every batter whether he is playing his best shot or not," he observed.

‘Rohit Sharma needs two or three shots…’

Bangar also provided a solution to Rohit's worries. He said he needs to take his foot forward a bit early to get in the position to play a couple of shots and regain his rhythm.

"If he stabilizes a little early, he will get a little time to take his foot forward, and then he can play his good shots. The Australians have bowled him short balls but he has missed many of them. Rohit Sharma needs two or three shots where he can get his rhythm and get a feel," he said.

"Batting is a game of feel. If you feel your legs are moving properly and you are able to play your shots, suddenly you feel your lost confidence coming back. It can come in the middle of an innings as well. It's not necessary that it has to come in the nets," Bangar concluded.

Meanwhile, India need to win both matches to make the World Test Championship (WTC) final for the third time in a row without having to rely on other results.

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