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Rohit Sharma's Struggles in Test Cricket: A Closer Look

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Rohit Sharma, a name synonymous with cricketing brilliance in the shorter formats of the game, has encountered a rollercoaster ride in Test cricket. Known for his explosive batting in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), where he holds numerous records, Rohit’s journey in the longest format of the game has been marked by both peaks of success and troughs of struggle.

Early Promise and Inconsistent Performances

Rohit burst onto the Test scene with a remarkable debut against West Indies in 2013, scoring a magnificent 177. This innings, along with a subsequent century in his second match, set high expectations. However, translating this early promise into consistent performances proved challenging. Over his first 27 Tests, Rohit managed only three centuries, accumulating 1585 runs at an average of 39.6, which was significantly below expectations given his talent and white-ball success.

The Shift to Opening

A significant turning point came in 2019 when he was promoted to open the innings against South Africa in Vizag. Here, he scored 176 and 127 in the two innings of the match, cementing his spot as an opener. This move seemed to revitalize his Test career, as he scored centuries in the subsequent series against Bangladesh and England at home, which led many to believe he had finally cracked Test cricket.

However, Rohit’s away performances have often been a point of contention. His struggles overseas have been particularly pronounced, with his average dropping to 26.3 in away conditions before his stint as an opener. Even after his successful transition to an opener, his overseas performances have not consistently matched his home form, leading to debates about his effectiveness outside of the subcontinent.

Recent Struggles

The year 2024 has proven particularly challenging for Rohit in Test cricket. During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, his form dipped alarmingly, scoring just 19 runs across three innings in the series. His dismissals for single-digit scores in both innings of the Adelaide Test marked an unwanted record, making him only the third captain to achieve this dubious feat in a calendar year.

Moreover, his decision-making under pressure, both as a batsman and captain, has come under scrutiny. Former players and cricket analysts have pointed out his tactical errors and shot selection, particularly in high-stakes situations. There have been calls for him to step down from captaincy if he fails to find his rhythm, especially with the series against Australia being pivotal for India’s prospects in the World Test Championship.

Physical Challenges and Form

Rohit’s recent struggles are not just about form but also physical challenges. An injury scare ahead of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, where he was hit on the knee during a net session, added to the concerns about his physical condition, although he was later seen moving freely.
 
At 37, questions about his longevity in Test cricket continue to surface, especially given his retirement from T20Is post the 2024 World Cup. There’s speculation that if his form doesn’t improve, he might consider retiring from Test cricket as well, focusing solely on ODIs where he has been exceptionally successful.
 
Rohit Sharma’s journey in Test cricket is emblematic of the complexities of transitioning from white-ball dominance to mastering the nuances of the red ball. His talent has never been in doubt, but consistency, particularly in foreign conditions, remains a significant challenge. As India eyes future Test series, including challenging tours, how Rohit adapts and overcomes these hurdles will be crucial not just for his career but for the trajectory of Indian cricket in the longest format.
 
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