‘The defence is a concern’- Sanjay Manjrekar dissects Rohit Sharma’s struggle in Tests

Red-ball cricket has not been Rohit Sharma‘s strong suit. He only managed to score 42 runs in four innings during the Bangladesh series. He scored two and fifty-two runs in the first Test of the current Test series against New Zealand, respectively. Despite being removed for a nine-ball duck in the first innings, he was predicted to do well in the Pune Test.

Former India cricketer Sanjaya Manjrekar has praised the captain’s demeanour while pointing out his lack of defensive skill, as his troubles continue.

In the current series, Rohit Sharma got cleaned up twice.

Tim Southee knocked the bails over in the first innings of the second Test, while Ajaz Patel removed his timber in the second innings.

“Yes, there are issues with the defence. This man has a terrific temperament. Perhaps he needs to strengthen his defence a bit more. According to TOI, Manjrekar stated, “And I witnessed that happen in the second innings of the previous Test.”

“He looked fine, but it’s obvious that there was some pitch that same in the opening innings. At the beginning of Rohit Sharma’s international career, we used to discuss his flimsy defence. He would simply respond with the bat without moving forward. “That is beginning to occur [again],” he continued.

The 37-year-old scored five and six runs in the first Test, respectively, during his four innings against Bangladesh. Although he only managed to score 23 and 8 runs, respectively, he appeared to be in better form in the second Test.

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Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the spinner, selected the right-handed batter on both occasions during the second Test match. Surprisingly, the Mumbaiker’s goal on both occasions was to defend the ball.