Mumbai, Nov 3 (IANS) – Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma expressed concern over the batting unit’s poor showing in the recent 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand, emphasizing the need to regroup before the crucial upcoming Test series against Australia. India, having slipped in the World Test Championship standings, must perform well Down Under to reclaim their momentum.
Rohit acknowledged the team’s struggle to capitalize on key opportunities, especially with senior players like Virat Kohli and himself failing to deliver in New Zealand. In a post-match press conference, Rohit emphasized the importance of fixing recent mistakes and remaining focused on each game of the five-match Test series in Australia, which could secure India’s third consecutive Border-Gavaskar Trophy win.
"Without a doubt, if the batters are not performing, that is a cause for concern, " said Rohit, adding that they will focus on making necessary adjustments for Australia. The series, he noted, will present fresh challenges, especially for younger players who haven’t yet experienced playing on Australian soil.
Addressing the lack of a practice game in Australia, Rohit revealed a strategy to prepare the squad through match simulations with India A, which will allow players to spend more time practicing specific scenarios. He emphasized this approach as a more effective alternative to a practice game, allowing the team to hone their skills for conditions unique to Australia.
The Indian captain also commended the coaching staff’s ongoing support, saying that players bear the responsibility to align with the team’s strategies, especially given the diverse backgrounds and playing styles within the squad. Although recent results have been disappointing, Rohit stressed the importance of teamwork, strategy, and mental preparation to adapt to Australia’s challenging conditions.
"We don't want to create a classroom setup for the players, " he added. "They are all experienced and understand the importance of this series, so we’ll focus on building a comfortable environment and letting them bring out their best on the field."