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Tuesday December 24, 2024

Rohit Sharma supports Virat Kohli to tackle off-stump problems

Rohit's own batting frailties in longest format have been laid bare in recent matches

By Reuters
December 24, 2024
Rohit Sharma (right) and Virat Kohli. —AFP
Rohit Sharma (right) and Virat Kohli. —AFP 

Supporting the right-handed batsman to address the woes concerning deliveries going outside the off-stump in Australia, India skipper Rohit Sharma has said cricketers of Virat Kohli’s calibre always find a way to bounce back.

With an unbeaten century in the first Test match in Perth, Kohli ended a protracted run of bad form. However, he has been dismissed multiple times in the ongoing five-match series for chasing balls moving away from his wickets.

"Modern-day greats will figure out their own ways (to deal with the issue)," Rohit told reporters ahead of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

Rohit's own batting frailties in the longest format have been laid bare in recent matches. The captain has managed scores of three, six and 10 since rejoining the team for the second Test following the birth of his son.

His move to the middle order has done little to inspire confidence but Rohit was tight-lipped about a potential switch back to the opening slot where he can be devastating.

"Let's not worry about that. I think 'who bats where?' is something that we need to figure out within ourselves. It's not a thing I should be discussing in every press conference.

"Whatever it takes for our team to look good or gives us the best chance to succeed, we'll try and do that."

After winning the first Test by 295 runs, India crashed to a 10-wicket defeat in Adelaide before battling to a draw in the rain-hit third match in Brisbane.

"At 1-1, I think it's a fair reflection," Rohit added.

"Both teams have played solid cricket and these two Tests are going to be so important for both teams.

"We want to break it down to Melbourne and focus on what we can achieve here, get things right and play well."

India added uncapped Mumbai all-rounder Tanush Kotian to the squad for the final two Tests after ruling out the inclusion of seamer Mohammed Shami due to a knee injury.