Irfan Pathan thinks Rohit Sharma’s batting has slipped and wants him to restore his form.
Rohit will captain India’s 17-man ODI team against Sri Lanka in the first game on January 10 in Guwahati. The Indian captain missed three T20Is and the preceding Test series against Bangladesh owing to a thumb injury.
Pathan was asked on Star Sports if Rohit Sharma would like some runs at the start of the year in addition to constructing his World Cup team.
“His standards have definitely dropped. He hits well. He batted brilliantly in his five World Cup centuries. He must remember this and restore form.”
The former Indian all-rounder believes the hosts would be formidable if their captain is on form.
“When his form returns, India’s 50-over World Cup team will be unbeatable, especially under these conditions.”
Rohit was the World Cup’s top run-scorer. He scored 648 runs in nine games, including five hundreds, at an 81.00 average and 98.33 strike rate.
“His fitness and form must be maintained” Pathan on Sharma
Rohit Sharma should focus on his fitness, says Pathan “Refreshed, I’ll return. Hope he’s ready. He’ll maintain his fitness and form. Undoubtedly, he’s a tremendous player.”
The former cricketer-turned-commentator believes these two aspects will benefit Rohit as a captain.
“He’s a great team leader. He will easily handle this team, but he must focus on his form and conditioning.”
Rohit averaged 37.67 in 11 ODIs over the last two years, scoring 339 runs. He has scored 76 unbroken runs and 50 three times.
