Rohit Sharma's Form Under Scrutiny: Dinesh Karthik Suggests a Return to Basics

Rohit Sharma's recent struggles with form have drawn significant attention, especially following India's disappointing 3-0 series defeat to New Zealand. In his last 10 Test innings, Rohit has managed to score just 133 runs, prompting former teammate Dinesh Karthik to offer insights into the reasons behind his decline and potential solutions.

Karthik emphasized that while Rohit's aggressive playing style has yielded success in white-ball formats, it may be detrimental to his Test performance. He noted that Rohit’s tendency to play attacking shots under pressure has become a risky strategy. Specifically, in the second innings against New Zealand in the final Test, Rohit was dismissed while attempting to play a big shot, a decision that Karthik believes highlights the need for a change in approach.

"In Test cricket, Rohit's intent is putting him in a comfort zone where he feels he can rely on attacking shots when he encounters pressure. However, this method isn’t as effective in Tests as it is in limited-overs formats," Karthik explained during a discussion on Cricbuzz. He urged Rohit to trust his technique more and adopt a balanced approach, suggesting that instead of lunging for risky shots, he should focus on defending and playing through challenging periods.

Karthik reminisced about the times when Rohit excelled as an opener by exhibiting patience and leaving balls outside the off-stump. He recalled how Rohit achieved significant scores by having the mental strength to endure tough phases, urging him to return to that mindset. "Rohit needs to trust his ability to defend and navigate through difficult times," Karthik stated.

With Rohit averaging only 33 in Test cricket this year, the call for a return to his foundational techniques and a more methodical approach to batting in Tests is increasingly resonant. As the Indian team prepares for upcoming challenges, all eyes will be on Rohit to see if he can adapt and regain his form.