In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has expressed concerns over captain Rohit Sharma’s recent batting performances, attributing them to age-related declines in reflexes and footwork. Gavaskar’s observations came after Rohit’s dismissal for a mere three runs during the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
At 37, Rohit Sharma’s recent form has been under scrutiny, with noticeable lapses in his batting technique. Gavaskar highlighted that as players age, their physical responses may not align seamlessly with their mental intentions, leading to diminished footwork and slower reflexes. He stated, “That is the reason why you’re seeing that there is probably not the same sort of footwork as you would expect, because your body is such as you get older. It reacts just a little bit slower.”
Rohit’s dismissal was particularly concerning. Facing Australian pacer Pat Cummins, he attempted a half-pull shot to a short-of-length delivery outside the off stump. The indecisive shot resulted in a top-edge, leading to a straightforward catch by Scott Boland at mid-on. Gavaskar analyzed the dismissal, suggesting that Rohit was caught in two minds, which led to the poorly executed shot. He remarked, “That’s a shot that he normally plays. The half-pull off the front foot. I think he probably got in two minds whether to go for the proper pull shot or not and then ended up just trying to tap it like practice.”
Gavaskar further elaborated on the challenges faced by aging athletes, emphasizing the importance of regular play to maintain physical sharpness. He noted that extended breaks can exacerbate the natural slowing down of the body’s responses, even if the player’s mind remains sharp. “The moment you have a break, you must be very, very careful, very, very mindful,” Gavaskar advised, highlighting the need for continuous practice and mindfulness, especially for senior players.
In light of these Sunil Gavaskar observations, there is a growing discourse on the necessity for Rohit Sharma to adapt his training regimen to address these age-related challenges. Implementing specific footwork drills and maintaining consistent match practice could be pivotal in mitigating the decline in reflexes and ensuring that his experience continues to benefit the Indian batting lineup.