Rohit Sharma needs to work out the difference between Test and ODI shots, suggests Ian Chappell

04/17/2018

Ian Chappell reckons that Rohit Sharma needs to work out the difference between the shots he plays in Tests and the shots he plays in ODIs, given his contrasting performance in both the formats. Rohit’s recent failure in Tests in SA was just another example of his inconsistency in Test cricket.

The Mumbai Indians skipper has been a mainstay in the shorter formats of the game in the national side and is a treat to watch on his day. He has played some spell-bounding innings, which has made him a vital member of the team. However, there’s a whole different story going on in Tests and his career has been full of bumps. He has been in and out of the team in the longest version of the game, given the inability to bat for long hours with a lot of patience. He has got an average of 40 in Tests, but, that’s largely due to some big scores at home. Taking this into consideration, Ian Chappell told India Today in an interview that Rohit needs to understand the difference between the shots in various formats of the game.

"You need to tell yourself that the shots you played in tests and the shots you play in ODI’s are different. In ODI’s you think two steps ahead and want to put pressure back on the bowlers," Chappell said.

"Rohit Sharma has been one of my great disappointments. When I first saw him in a few one-day games in Australia in 2007-08 and the way he played the short-pitched delivery, I said to myself, 'This guy is a very good player and he will be good in all conditions'. He has been very good in limited-overs cricket, particularly in ODIs. I mean, how can you score 264 in a 50-over game? He is a terrific player with all the ability. The disappointment for me is he hasn't produced the goods in Test cricket."

Chappell was doubtful if Rohit hasn’t been able to understand his role in Test cricket and compared his situation with that of Gordon Greenidge and Viv Richards. He thinks that batting after Virat Kohli is taking a toll on him.

"I wonder if he hasn't worked out what sort of player he is in Test cricket. I also wonder if batting behind Virat Kohli is a problem for him. In saying that, I am likening his situation with Gordon Greenidge and Viv Richards. Gordon didn't know how good a player he was. He would play really well and when Viv came in he, thought Viv got all the publicity and it diminished him as a player. I am just wondering if that gets in Rohit's mind a bit," he said.

"I thought if he came in at No.3, it might help him. I mean the talent that he has got, he should be one of the best Test players around."