Rohit Sharma Backs Young Batters Ahead of Crucial Tests Against Australia
India’s skipper Rohit Sharma has expressed full confidence in the abilities of young batters Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, urging them to overcome their early struggles and make significant contributions in the remaining two Tests of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. With the series tied at 1-1, the pressure is on the young trio to perform in the final two matches, starting with the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday.
Despite facing challenges, none of the three players have yet to score a half-century in the series. Jaiswal, who impressed with a composed 161 in the second innings of the first Test in Perth, has scored only 32 runs in the next four innings. Meanwhile, Pant has accumulated 96 runs in three Tests, and Gill, who missed the first Test due to a thumb injury, has managed just 60 runs across four innings.
However, Rohit is optimistic about the young players’ ability to redeem themselves, particularly as the World Test Championship final looms large. Speaking on the team’s preparations, the captain said, “We don’t want to complicate what they are doing. They know what they are expected to do.” Rohit further emphasized the importance of providing constant support and discussing match awareness with the youngsters, adding that Pant, Gill, and Jaiswal all have high expectations of themselves.
On Jaiswal, who is touring Australia for the first time, Rohit highlighted the 22-year-old’s potential and urged the team not to burden him with too many thoughts. “Let him be as free as possible. We try not to overburden him with too many thoughts regarding his batting,” he said, acknowledging that Jaiswal understands his game better than anyone else. Rohit expressed confidence that Jaiswal’s attacking style could make him a dangerous player if he gets going.
Similarly, Rohit praised Shubman Gill for his innate quality as a batsman, stressing the need for clarity and simplicity in guidance. “When you get 30s, 40s, you have to convert that into big runs. Getting in is the toughest part here, so when you get in, you have to try and score big runs,” he advised.
As the team gears up for the decisive Tests in Melbourne and Sydney, Rohit’s backing of the young batters highlights the importance of patience and belief in their abilities as they look to make a significant impact on the series.
