Team India was in trouble at 27/2 as Rohit Sharma departed after his penchant for the pull-shot led to his downfall in the second innings of the second Test played at Lord’s. Rohit scored 21 runs before he fell for the short ball trap.
Several fans and cricket experts have criticized the opener for playing an irresponsible shot, especially after hitting a six in the same over.
Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman has questioned Rohit’s shot selection and said that an experienced player like him should not be falling into such traps.
“Rohit Sharma has let himself down. We have seen him get out in that fashion in the first Test in Nottingham as well. Sometimes your favorite stroke can lead to your downfall. In the very same over, he got a beautiful six over fine leg.
When the opposition captain makes a change, it is very clear that it is their line of attack and they want Rohit Sharma to play (a particular shot). It was a trap for Rohit Sharma and he, unfortunately, fell into that. He is a much more experienced player than what he saw with that shot selection,” VVS Laxman told on ESPNCricinfo.
The former batsman added that once KL Rahul got out early, the onus was on Rohit to play big innings, especially after he had got his eye in.
“After Rahul got out, it was very important for Rohit Sharma to carry on. The way he was batting, there were some beautiful drives. He was timing the ball really well. Rohit Sharma needed to carry on his good form. Very disappointed with that shot selection from Rohit Sharma,” he said.
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Laxman was disappointed with the opener and said that Rohit needs to have another option against the short ball.
“Any shot, if a batsman knows when to play it, is justifiable. If there were no fielders there or if that wasn’t the game plan of the opposition, then you can play that shot. Rohit Sharma or any stroke players would want to play their shots, only then can they put pressure on the bowlers.
But when the opposition is trying to get you out in one fashion, that is where you have got to have other options. There are two bouncers allowed in an over. There are two fielders who can be set behind square leg,” he added.
He also said that the batsman needs to be able to decide when to leave a ball and when to play an attacking shot.
“It is very important to know when to leave the ball and when to play the pull shot. If you see the line of the ball (that dismissed Rohit Sharma), it was way outside the leg stump. Rohit Sharma could have easily left the ball alone. A lot of responsibility should have been taken by Rohit Sharma. He will be disappointed with the option he chose,” Laxman concluded.
India ended day four on 181/6 with a lead of 154 runs.
(ESPNCricinfo inputs)
