India defeated England in the second Test held in Vizag, following a defeat in the first Test, to win the five-match series. As the hosts evened the series, Rohit Sharma led the very inexperienced team admirably. Yet the Mumbai hitter hasn’t been able to get going at bat.
Rohit Sharma has only managed to score 90 runs at an average of 22.50 in four innings thus far. In the two-match Test series in South Africa, the seasoned player also had a dismal performance, managing just 61 runs at an average of 20.33 across four innings.
The Indian Express said that prior to the third Test at Rajkot, Rohit Sharma struggled in the nets.
The veteran was removed to a net bowler after two deliveries, according to the report. A ball that nibbled back removed Rohit’s middle stump. The one after that created an advantage with an outswinger.
In the third Test, Indian supporters will be hoping that their captain returns to form, since the host team is predicted to field a very young batting lineup in the pivotal match. While the famous Virat Kohli has chosen to withdraw from the series citing “personal reasons,” India has chosen to seek beyond veterans Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara. KL Rahul has yet to fully recover from missing the second Test due to a right quadriceps injury, and Shreyas Iyer was left out of the squad after his poor performances in the first two Tests.
The burden will fall on players like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who have shown promise in the series so far. Rajat Patidar made his debut for India in the game’s longest format during the opening innings of the second Test, where he looked impressive. He will likely have another chance, and he intends to make the most of it. Rohit Sharma’s return to form could be advantageous for the Indian team. At the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot, the third Test will begin on Thursday, February 15.