Rohit Sharma's Test Decline: False Shots, Length Issues and Defence Woes
A Look at the Factors Behind His Downfall
Rohit Sharma's Test batting average has plummeted in the last year, with a decline in his ability to defend against pace bowling and a rise in false shots.
Addressing the Opening Challenge
Rohit's success against fast bowlers was a key factor in his rise as India's best Test batter. However, his numbers have seen a freefall in the last 12 months, with an average of 18.50 and a dismissal every 29 balls.
Period | Inngs | Runs | Balls | Wkts | Avg | BpD |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Oct 2019 – Sep 2023 | 39 | 1253 | 2299 | 22 | 56.95 | 104.5 |
Since Oct 2023 | 25 | 296 | 467 | 16 | 18.50 | 29.1 |
Not So Good Against 'Good Length'
Rohit's ability to defend against good length balls has been a major issue in the last year. His average against these deliveries has dropped to 12.00, with a dismissal every 30.5 balls.
Period | Inngs | Runs | Wkts | Ave | BpD | False shot % |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Oct 2019 – Sep 2023 | 39 | 638 | 12 | 53.16 | 132.90 | 19.30 |
Since Oct 2023 | 25 | 120 | 10 | 12.00 | 30.50 | 28.80 |
Defence Against Pace
Rohit's defensive game against pace bowling has been a major concern in the last year. His dismissal rate against defensive shots has risen to 17.9, the worst in the world.
Period | Inngs | Balls | Wkts | BpD |
---|---|---|---|---|
Oct 2019 – Sep 2023 | 39 | 785 | 6 | 130.8 |
Since Oct 2023 | 23 | 197 | 11 | 17.9 |
The Impact of Short-Form Cricket
Rohit's success in shorter formats has had a negative impact on his Test numbers. His ability to defend against pace bowling has suffered, and his false shot percentage has risen.
A Possible Explanation
Rohit's trigger movements in recent times have led to issues while playing defensive shots. His front foot is often planted across without proper weight transfer, leading to problems while playing shots on good length.
A Look at Rohit's Record Across Formats
Format | Inngs | Runs | Ave | SR | 100s | 50s |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tests | 24 | 996 | 45.27 | 49.50 | 2 | 4 |
ODIs | 14 | 510 | 42.50 | 100.19 | 1 | 3 |
T20s | 83 | 2201 | 27.51 | 133.88 | 0 | 14 |
Format | Inngs | Runs | Ave | SR | 100s | 50s |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tests | 37 | 1152 | 32.00 | 61.67 | 4 | 4 |
ODIs | 29 | 1412 | 52.29 | 119.35 | 2 | 11 |
T20s | 41 | 1127 | 29.65 | 147.51 | 2 | 6 |
A Career of Solutions
Rohit's career has been marked by his ability to come up with solutions to problems that threatened his existence in cricket. He faces another challenge now, and if he can overcome it, we will be in for another exciting chapter in his illustrious career.