Rohit Sharma Must Open to “Throw First Punch” in Brisbane Test, Says Ravi Shastri
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri said Rohit Sharma must open in the Brisbane Test. It’s the only way to bounce back against Australia. Before the match, Shastri stressed the need for a good strategy. The series is tied at 1-1.
Rohit has struggled in recent games. He scored just nine runs in two innings, batting at six, in India’s ten-wicket loss in the second Test at Adelaide. This performance has left him averaging just 11.83 in his last six Tests. Shastri believes Rohit’s natural game suits an opening role. It would let him lead from the front.
“That’s where he’s been at his best over the last eight or nine years. It’s not that he’s going to set the world on fire – he could – but that’s the place that’s best for him. To lead from the front. If he has to do damage, if he has to throw the first punch, that’s the best place from where he can do it.
A Critical Moment in the Series
The “Moving Test Match”
Shastri called the Brisbane Test the “moving Test match” of the series. It was key in deciding the winner. “Whichever team wins this Test match will win the series. I have no doubt about that,” he said.
Shastri noted that Australia has regained confidence after their win in Adelaide. This puts the onus on India to adjust their team and approach.
Lessons from India’s Historic Gabba Chase
Shastri recalled India’s unforgettable 328-run chase at the Gabba during the 2020/21 series, highlighting the young players’ proactive mindset. He specifically recounted a pivotal conversation between Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, which showcased their maturity and strategic thinking under pressure.
“I’ll never forget it. Last session, 140 runs to get. We had two different change rooms because of Covid. I went down from the coaches’ room to have a chat with either Rishabh or (Cheteshwar) Pujara. When I was about to reach the toilet, I heard a conversation between Gill and Pant.
“Seventy-one overs bowled; Gill had got out for 91, and they were the two youngest players in the side, 21 and 22. ‘Nine overs left, they need the new ball, they’ll bring (Marnus) Labuschagne on with his leg spin, you’ve got to score 45-50 runs there’.
Unity and Resilience Amid Challenges
Shastri also credited India’s unity and mental toughness during the 2020/21 series, especially after their 36 all-out collapse in Adelaide. He acknowledged the challenges posed by strict Covid-19 protocols but praised the players for rising to the occasion.
“Being locked up and then having to give their best in the middle, and in a country like India where there’s 1.4 billion people, there’s no sympathy. ‘To hell with Covid, what’s Covid, jolly well win the Test match.’ That’s all they want. So there’s no hiding in our part of the world.
“In Covid, the first Test match you start with five bowlers and the same five bowlers don’t play the last Test. That says it all, it’s like Australia playing without these five bowlers in the last Test of the series; it’s a different ball game.
Shastri concluded by saying that a coach can only do so much from behind the scenes. The players’ execution on the field made India’s 2020/21 series win truly special.
Key Statistics and Series Context
- Rohit Sharma’s Recent Form: Averaging 11.83 in his last six Tests.
- Brisbane Test Importance: Series tied 1-1, with both teams vying for momentum.
- Historical Reference: India chased 328 at the Gabba in 2021 to win the series 2-1.
