Published: Sep 07, 2015, 12:09 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 19, 2015, 10:27 AM (IST)
Rohit Sharma, who did not have an eventful India vs Sri Lanka Test series, has received support from the team’s batting coach, Sanjay Bangar. According to Bangar, Rohit is a good Test player and it is normal that sometimes players are not able to adjust to ground conditions, pressure and demands. Bangar stated that the team management decided to go ahead with Rohit at No. 3 as the batsman had a good time at the position in Sydney against Australia. The 42-year old former all-rounder also added that Rohit contributed to the team’s cause to the best of his ability.Read: Rohit Sharma should bat at No. 3 if India need to score 300 in a day, feels Sanjay Bangar
In a conversation with ESPNcricinfo Bangar said, “If you look at the numbers, he has played 13 [14] Test matches and scored 800-900 [870] runs at an average of 40 [37.82] with two centuries, four half-centuries. I think if his critics can go back and compare the first 13 Test matches of any other cricketer who has played for a while, I think they would probably be less harsh on Rohit. I believe that in the matches he has played so far — obviously everybody wants to contribute more — he has definitely contributed to the team’s cause. We are clear in our mind that we need to give enough time and opportunity for a player if we put him at a particular position before making the change. Pujara was having a tough time, so he [Rohit] was given a fair run at No. 3. He batted very well in Sydney (53 & 39). He got starts in both the innings but could not convert it into a big one.” Read: Sanjay Bangar calls Indian batsmen’s versatility a positive sign
“Bangladesh was just one innings. But you could see that just three innings prior to P Sara (second Test against Sri Lanka), he was scoring runs at No. 3. After those five opportunities, we felt that moving him down the order would benefit the team more. And it also made sure that he got some time because he also had put a lot of pressure on himself to perform. Somebody who constantly wants to contribute to the team’s cause. And it worked out beautifully. In both the Test matches (P Sara and SSC), he played vital innings for the team.”
