Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has criticized captain Rohit Sharma’s decision to open after poor performances in the middle order, saying one of the biggest problems in Indian cricket is how every effort is made to ensure big players return to form . After a poor performance in the series at number six, in which he scored just 19 runs in three innings, Rohit returned to his usual starting spot and this forced K.L. Rahul, the first in-form player in the series, will drop to third. However, Rohit’s stay at the crease was short-lived as he fell to Cummins due to a poor shot.
Speaking during the comments quoted by Wisden, Manjrekar said: “The problem that is deeply rooted in Indian cricket culture, Mark, is that… all these iconic players in India are fighting for runs and then we are out of the game. a way to make sure he gets back into shape.”
“We are making all sorts of adjustments to provide a better platform or opportunity for iconic players. The situation when K.L. “Rahul has been the best opener for both sides, the most consistent batsman for India – he is being moved out of his position to bat at number three so that Rohit Sharma can get into shape.”
Manjrekar said that given the departure from the logic of cricket and other things that are best for the team, this was not the best thing for the team.
“K.L. Rahul was so good in this position. Opening in Australia is not easy. In Jaiswal and K.L. “Rahul had a record partnership for India in Australia, but India is very happy to break this partnership to allow a renowned player to succeed.” he added.
Sanjay said that while Jaiswal and Rohit had a good partnership at the top, they came out on the Indian pitches.
“In Australia, when you found a rookie who looked the part, dropping him at No. 3 to force an opening on a horribly out-of-form established player, I thought it was just a bad choice,” he added.
Fellow commentator Mark Nicholas also agreed that India’s culture of celebrating individual stars during games has some flaws.
“When they (captains) are not fit, it creates a problem and other players become sacrificial lambs for it. It’s a pity. As far as India and celebrities are concerned, no doubt it is amazing how the game is celebrated in India, but in many ways it is celebrated more because of the players than the art of the game. Players are becoming as big as Bollywood stars. This is a great place if you love cricket. in a country that loves cricket as much as India, it’s a privilege, but it doesn’t always translate into good decisions,” he added.
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