Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has advised Rohit Sharma to curb his natural inclination for big hits in the early overs while facing the Australian bowlers in the upcoming five-Test series.

Gavaskar believes this controlled approach will be key for Rohit to score runs and maintain stability at the crease as India are facing a must-win situation in Australia to qualify for the WTC final without depending on other teams.

Notably, Rohit came under severe criticism for his flop show in India’s 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand at home. He managed to amass only 91 runs in six innings at an abysmal average of 15.17.

"At the start, he can be troubled by Mitchell Starc's lengths and lines. What happens often with Rohit is that his foot doesn't move as much as it should in the first few overs of the contest, because of which he gets into trouble. But, if he can survive the first two-three overs, he can score runs. He needs to get the shot selection right. That's not just for Rohit Sharma, but for any batter," Gavaskar said while speaking to Star Sports.

"Like I said, Australian pitches are good for batters. And they use Kookaburra ball. It doesn't swing or seam much after the first 15 overs. Test cricket is a five-day match. If you show some restraint in the first session, then you can score runs," he added.

Rohit Sharma has not had a lot of experience opening the batting in Tests in Australia. The Indian captain has opened in only two Tests Down Under, returning with scores of 26, 52, 44 and 7.

Overall, Rohit has played seven Tests on Australian soil, scoring 408 runs at an average of 31.38 with three half-centuries.

Gavaskar’s suggestion could serve as a strategic guide for Rohit, whose runs at the top could provide India the foundation they need in this crucial series.