Sanjay Manjrekar Says “Rohit Is Not Making Enough Sacrifices” In His Test Career

January 8, 2025: Sanjay Manjrekar’s critique of Rohit Sharma’s recent form and his captaincy decisions in the Test format offers some insightful commentary on both the challenges facing the Indian team and the expectations surrounding senior players. Rohit’s struggles with the bat have become a significant talking point, especially with his below-par performances in the 2024/25 Test season. His issues with the off-stump line, a problem that often haunts Indian batsmen when playing in swinging conditions abroad, have been evident.

Manjrekar’s remarks are particularly notable because they bring up the issue of “sacrifices” that legendary figures like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid made towards the end of their careers, focusing on fitness and preparation for the rigors of international cricket. This angle suggests that Rohit may not be committing to the same level of sacrifice and adjustment required for a player to thrive in the latter part of his career, especially when faced with a significant dip in form.

His comparison to KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal as potential alternatives at the top of the order also highlights how dynamic the competition for places in the Indian team is. Both players have shown promise, and their inclusion in the opening slot could be seen as a natural consequence of Rohit’s continued struggles.

Rohit’s overall lack of consistency, paired with the team’s failure to reach the ICC World Test Championship final, underscores the larger picture of India’s struggles in Test cricket under his leadership. The 0-3 loss to New Zealand at home was especially damaging, and the 1-3 defeat to Australia marked a reversal of fortunes in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after India’s dominant decade-long run.

Manjrekar’s analysis touches on the technical aspects of Rohit’s game—his defensive frailty and ineffective counter-attacking strategies—but also highlights a mental and physical preparedness issue. For players at the top of their game, particularly when facing challenges in form, a renewed commitment to fitness and adaptability is often the differentiator between a great player’s decline and a resurgence.

If Rohit Sharma is to turn things around, he will likely need to refocus his efforts on his technique—particularly his defensive play and ability to counter-attack. Additionally, it may require a mental shift, accepting the responsibility to evolve and possibly make the sacrifices Manjrekar suggests. Given the weight of expectations, it’s also clear that time is running out for him to prove himself as a long-term fixture in India’s Test batting lineup.