New Delhi: Indian skipper Rohit Sharma backed his teammate Virat Kohli to bounce back from his rough patch and get back among the runs ahead of the much-anticipated Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Rohit was in a playful mood in the press conference ahead of the Boxing Day fixture and discussed a range of issues involving the Indian team.
The Indian skipper was asked about Kohli’s poor form and his repeated pattern of dismissal by poking deliveries outside the off-stump. The reporter asked the Indian skipper if he had discussed Kohli’s weakness with him. Rohit said modern-day greats can figure out their path on their own.
“You only said he is a modern-day great. Modern-day greats will figure out their way or the path (to overcome issues),” Rohit said in the pre-match press conference.
Kohli has struggled with his form in the Test series so far having managed only 126 runs in three matches. Barring his unbeaten 100 in the first Test in Perth, Kohli has looked far from convincing and has often failed to resist the temptation of going after outside off deliveries which have eventually resulted in his dismissal.
The likes of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood have exploited Kohli’s weakness with the outside off deliveries and have consistently troubled the India star in the series. Kohli will be hoping to avoid repeated mistakes in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG as his performance will be crucial if India are to fancy their chances of winning the Test match.
Rohit Sharma opens up on his own form, batting position
Rohit was also questioned about his own form during the press conference but downplayed any concerns by stating that he has been focusing on the basics in the nets and has been working on his deficiencies. The Hitman also opened up on his batting position and said he is ready to bat anywhere as per the team’s demands.
Rohit has been batting in the middle order ever since making his comeback in the 2nd Test against Australia in Adelaide owing to KL Rahul’s top-notch performances as an opener. Rahul has been one of the most consistent batters for India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 and is likely to continue opening in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
“Let’s not worry about that. I think ‘who bats where?’ is something that we need to figure out within ourselves. It’s not something I should be discussing at every press conference. Whatever it takes for our team to look good or gives the best chance to succeed, we will do that,” Rohit said about his batting position as he refused to reveal if he will continue batting in the middle order.
Amid Virat Kohli’s poor form, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has backed the ‘modern-day great’ to bounce back among the runs ahead of the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the MCG. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
