Rohit Sharma's Test Decline: A Fall from Grace Amid Changing Times
Rohit Sharma's recent slump in Test cricket has raised concerns, with his last seven innings yielding just 152 runs at an average of 11.69. This is a far cry from his peak, where he was considered one of the best openers in the world. His rapid decline has cost him a significant drop in his career batting average, which once sat among India's elite.
A Historic Rise, Now Facing Challenges
Rohit’s career turnaround in 2019, when he was promoted to open the innings, was a turning point. He grabbed the opportunity with both hands, establishing himself as India's best Test opener for the next five years. His success against pace bowling, especially the new ball, was remarkable. Between October 2019 and September 2023, he averaged 56.95 against seamers, facing nearly 105 balls between dismissals. However, since October 2023, his numbers have taken a sharp nosedive. In his last 12 months, his average against pace has plummeted to just 18.50, with a dismissal every 29 balls.
Struggles Against Good-Length Deliveries
One of the key factors in Rohit's recent struggles has been his inability to cope with balls pitched on a good length, an area where Test openers are often tested. Between October 2019 and September 2023, Rohit excelled, averaging 53.16 against good-length deliveries. His dismissal rate was exceptional, with only a handful of players performing better. In the last 12 months, however, his average has dropped dramatically to just 12.00, and his false shot percentage has soared to 28.8%, the highest in world cricket.
Defensive Woes: A Breakdown in Technique
Rohit’s strong defensive game against pace, once his hallmark, has also faltered. In the past, his ability to defend with proper weight transfer, especially against the off stump, made him one of the best. But now, his technique seems compromised, with his trigger movement out of sync, leading to inconsistent footwork. This has caused him to get beaten on the outside edge more frequently, and his dismissal rate per defensive shot has worsened drastically.
The Toll of Multi-Format Success
The rise of white-ball cricket, with its emphasis on aggressive batting, has likely affected Rohit’s Test career. His recent success in limited-overs formats, especially in ODIs and T20Is, has seen him adopt a more attacking style of play. This shift in approach, while successful in the shorter formats, has seemingly come at the cost of his Test batting technique.
Much like former teammate Murali Vijay, Rohit's career has mirrored the struggles of adapting between formats. His best years in Tests came when he was away from the IPL, and his white-ball success has coincided with a downturn in his red-ball form.
Can Rohit Bounce Back?
Despite the challenges, Rohit Sharma is known for his ability to adapt. Whether it was his shift to the opening slot in white-ball cricket or his re-invention as a Test opener, Rohit has consistently found solutions to problems. His current Test struggles may be another challenge he can overcome, given his resilience and knack for finding new ways to succeed. If he can fix his technique and regain his composure against pace, another exciting chapter in his illustrious career could be on the horizon.
Rohit's Record Across Formats:
| Format | Inngs | Runs | Ave | SR | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests (Jan 2020 - Dec 2022) | 24 | 996 | 45.27 | 49.50 | 2 | 4 |
| ODIs (Jan 2020 - Dec 2022) | 14 | 510 | 42.50 | 100.19 | 1 | 3 |
| T20Is (Jan 2020 - Dec 2022) | 83 | 2201 | 27.51 | 133.88 | 0 | 14 |
| Tests (Since Jan 2023) | 37 | 1152 | 32.00 | 61.67 | 4 | 4 |
| ODIs (Since Jan 2023) | 29 | 1412 | 52.29 | 119.35 | 2 | 11 |
| T20Is (Since Jan 2023) | 41 | 1127 | 29.65 | 147.51 | 2 | 6 |
Conclusion: A Turning Point
Rohit Sharma's Test career is at a crossroads. His recent struggles against pace, combined with lapses in his defense and technique, have been troubling. However, his past ability to adapt and overcome challenges suggests that this slump may just be a temporary phase in an otherwise stellar career. Fans will be hoping for a strong comeback as he continues to evolve as a player across formats.
