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During the ODI World Cup 2023 final between India and Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India legend Sunil Gavaskar expressed disapproval regarding Rohit Sharma‘s shot selection, resulting in his departure.
Rohit Sharma’s rapid start
Rohit, renowned for his assertive playing style, bestowed India with a swift start in the pivotal final after Australia won the toss and elected to field. He was going nicely and looking well set to cruise further. His innings concluded abruptly at 47 runs off 31 balls when he tried to loft Glenn Maxwell in the 10th over. Travis Head took a spectacular catch to stop Rohit’s stay in the middle.
Sunil Gavaskar raises eyebrows over Rohit Sharma’s shot selection
Gavaskar, widely acknowledged for his insightful analyses, raised questions on Rohit’s shot selection in the critical juncture of the match. Despite Rohit’s explosive style, Gavaskar suggested a more measured approach might have been prudent, especially considering the forceful commencement and the potential vulnerability of the fifth bowler.
“That could indeed be the pivotal moment. Because at that juncture, Rohit appeared in fine form. Granted, that’s his modus operandi. Nevertheless, with a six and a boundary already in that over, perhaps he shouldn’t have opted for that shot. I understand that if the ball had cleared the boundary, applause would have ensued. Nonetheless, there was always that fifth bowler to exploit; there was no urgency at that stage,” said Gavaskar on Star Sports.
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Part-timers should’ve been targeted
Gavaskar underscored the moment’s significance, intimating that Rohit’s departure might prove decisive in the high-stakes match. He believed the part-timers such as Maxwell, Head, and Mitchell Marsh were the targets India should have aimed for.
“The Maxwells, the Heads, and the Marshs, those were the 10 overs that they should have been looking to play for. Get off to a good start and look to target them. That didn’t happen,” added Gavaskar.
