Controlled aggression can be the way to go for batters
Hindustan Times|January 25, 2024
The India skipper dominated England bowlers at home in 2021, which holds lessons for others looking to shine
Sanjjeev K Samyal
Controlled aggression can be the way to go for batters

If England are looking for a template to bat on turning tracks in India, they will do well to study Rohit Sharma’s knocks against them in 2021. Which balls to defend and which shots to play, Rohit displayed his mastery in the last series here to get 345 runs at an average of 57.50 while most batters struggled.

He proved the difference between the teams with a brilliant 166 in the second Test at Chennai, backing it up with a 66 off 96 balls in a total of 145 in the third Test at Ahmedabad. It was not blind attacking; in the fourth Test he grinded it out for a 49 off 144 balls.

Batting on spiteful turning tracks is an art mastered by few. It can be an unnerving experience. When the spinners impart more revolutions, the ball hisses towards the batter before exploding off the track with fielders circled around him ready to pounce on any error, to gobble up a bat-pad or edge. Trying to survive with dour defending is pointless because some ball will have your name on it. Powerful shots are important to make the stay at the wicket count and shake off the close cordon.

But choice of shots is the key. At the nets on Tuesday, Rohit was pointing out to KS Bharat, batting in the adjacent net, not to get the bat ahead of the pad. He showed him how the ball must be met under the nose, beside the pad and not in front of it.

Then there are subtle points to keep in mind like not committing on the front foot. A rank turner gives the batter no time and Rohit thrives on smashing the ball on the bounce, slog-sweeping full stretch or freeing up his arms for lofted off-side shots. Clean striking is the key.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 25, 2024 من Hindustan Times.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 25, 2024 من Hindustan Times.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من HINDUSTAN TIMES مشاهدة الكل
Bracelet confessions: Are Khushi-Vedang Insta official?
Hindustan Times

Bracelet confessions: Are Khushi-Vedang Insta official?

After dodging questions around their rumoured romance for almost a year, actors Khushi Kapoor and Vedang Raina may have finally let the cat out of the bag – thanks to a bracelet.

time-read
1 min  |
November 12, 2024
SANJAY BANGAR'S KID ARYAN IS NOW ANAYA
Hindustan Times

SANJAY BANGAR'S KID ARYAN IS NOW ANAYA

The former cricketer's child Anaya has gone viral after sharing her transition story

time-read
1 min  |
November 12, 2024
A nice change of pace: Rithvik on surprise birthday trip to Dubai
Hindustan Times

A nice change of pace: Rithvik on surprise birthday trip to Dubai

Actor Rithvik Dhanjani turned 36 in style this month (on November 5), celebrating with friends on a lavish cruise in Dubai.

time-read
1 min  |
November 12, 2024
Gambhir bats for KL Rahul to open if Rohit misses first Test
Hindustan Times

Gambhir bats for KL Rahul to open if Rohit misses first Test

For India players, young and old, the tour of Australia is a chance to show how good they really are

time-read
3 mins  |
November 12, 2024
Hindustan Times

SANGITA'S DOUBLE HANDS INDIA WIN OVER MALAYSIA IN OPENING MATCH

Young striker Sangita Kumari scored a brace as defending champions India defeated Malaysia 4-0 to open their campaign at the women's Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament on a confident note on Monday.

time-read
1 min  |
November 12, 2024
Ruud beats Alcaraz in ATP Finals opener
Hindustan Times

Ruud beats Alcaraz in ATP Finals opener

Norway's Casper Ruud eased to a straight-sets victory over Carlos Alcaraz as the Spanish star's bid for a maiden ATP Finals title got off to a poor start.

time-read
1 min  |
November 12, 2024
Hindustan Times

Imagine how many countries have players like KL, who can actually open, can bat at No.6 as well... he can do the job for us, if Rohit is not available for the first Test

The players left in two batches and will be there well in time for the series opener, but settling down is not going to be easy.

time-read
1 min  |
November 12, 2024
Usha and IOA EC members in row over Natl Games
Hindustan Times

Usha and IOA EC members in row over Natl Games

The announcement of dates for next year's National Games in Uttarakhand has sparked a fresh row between Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha and its executive committee members.

time-read
1 min  |
November 12, 2024
The Gambhir-Rohit chemistry faces big test in Australia series
Hindustan Times

The Gambhir-Rohit chemistry faces big test in Australia series

India coach Gautam Gambhir's media conference on Monday morning before leaving for Australia was so last minute that it couldn't be arranged in the hotel the squad members were staying in.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 12, 2024
Chakravarthy gets second wind in spin tale for India
Hindustan Times

Chakravarthy gets second wind in spin tale for India

It's rare that spinners take to South African pitches with relish.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 12, 2024