"Are You Happy Scoring 25-30 Runs?": Gavaskar Challenges Rohit Sharma’s Approach Amid Gambhir’s Defense
March 7, 2025: "Are You Happy Scoring 25-30 Runs?": Gavaskar Questions Rohit Sharma's Batting Approach Amid Gambhir’s Defense
Indian cricket great Sunil Gavaskar has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding Rohit Sharma’s batting approach, urging him to bat for longer periods instead of merely providing quick starts.
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His comments come after India’s Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal victory over Australia, where head coach Gautam Gambhir defended Rohit's strategy, stating that his performance should be judged on impact rather than numbers.
However, Gavaskar disagreed with Gambhir’s assessment, emphasizing that a batter of Rohit’s caliber should aim to stay at the crease for 25-30 overs to truly dominate the game.
Speaking to India Today, Gavaskar analyzed Rohit’s aggressive approach, which has been a consistent strategy since the 2023 ODI World Cup.
"This is a formula he has stuck to for the past two years. He has had some success, but perhaps not as much as his immense talent should warrant," Gavaskar remarked.
He elaborated on how Rohit's presence for 25 overs could put India in a commanding position, saying:
"From a crowd-pleasing perspective, he is an outstanding player. But if he bats for even 25 overs, India will already have 180-200 runs on the board. Imagine if only a couple of wickets are down at that stage—India could be looking at 350 or more!"
Gavaskar also urged Rohit to rethink his mindset, emphasizing that his impact could be significantly greater if he prioritizes staying longer at the crease.
"He needs to give it some thought. Playing aggressively is one thing, but there has to be discretion. If he gives himself the chance to bat for 25-30 overs, he can take the game away from the opposition," Gavaskar stated.
He further questioned whether Rohit should be satisfied with quickfire 25-30-run innings.
"That kind of impact is match-winning. And I ask: Are you happy scoring just 25-30 runs? You shouldn't be! If you stay at the crease for 25 overs instead of just seven, eight, or nine, your impact on the team will be far greater," he added.
On the other hand, head coach Gautam Gambhir has backed Rohit’s aggressive batting and dismissed criticism of his strike rate. Gambhir believes Rohit's role is about setting the tone rather than accumulating big scores.
While Gavaskar argues for balance between aggression and longevity, the debate continues over whether Rohit’s approach best serves India’s long-term success in major tournaments.
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This post was published on March 7, 2025 8:43 am
