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Rohit Sharma, affectionately known as the “Hitman,” has been under fire for his lackluster performances with the bat in recent months. However, his childhood coach, Dinesh Lad, has stepped forward to defend him, emphasizing the batter’s technical brilliance and resilience. After India’s disappointing series loss against Australia, critics called for Rohit’s retirement, but Lad believes the skipper can silence his doubters by returning to domestic cricket.
A Call for Domestic Revival
Dinesh Lad has urged Rohit to play a couple of domestic matches to regain his form and confidence. Speaking to IANS, he highlighted that Rohit has been a technically sound player throughout his career. Referring to Rohit’s good run during the England series last year, Lad remarked, “He has the ability to bounce back. A few Ranji Trophy matches could help him prepare for upcoming Test challenges.”
Rohit’s Struggles in Recent Matches
Rohit’s batting form has been a concern, with just 31 runs in three matches during the IND vs AUS series. His experiment of returning to the middle-order after six years failed, while his top-order performance also lacked impact. Speculations about his retirement from Test cricket gained traction after he dropped himself for the fifth Test. However, Rohit quickly dismissed such rumors, affirming his commitment to Indian cricket.
Focused on Bigger Goals
According to Lad, Rohit has two major objectives: winning the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup. “If he wanted to retire, he would have done so after the T20 World Cup. Instead, he stepped away from T20s to focus on longer formats,” Lad noted.
What Lies Ahead?
With the Ranji Trophy commencing on January 23, all eyes are on Rohit to see if he takes this opportunity to rediscover his batting rhythm. Domestic cricket could be the stepping stone for the Hitman’s resurgence, silencing critics and reaffirming his leadership at the helm of the Indian cricket team.
