My Knee is Okay; Let’s Focus on the Batting Order: Rohit Sharma

Melbourne, Dec 24: In anticipation of the Boxing Day Test, Indian captain Rohit Sharma addressed concerns regarding the knee injury he sustained during practice, assuring that it is not serious while maintaining uncertainty about his batting position.
Rohit was struck on the left knee during a training session at the MCG on Sunday, raising questions about the injury’s severity.
“My knee is fine,” Rohit stated during a media briefing ahead of the fourth Border-Gavaskar Test scheduled to start on December 26.
After missing the opening Test in Australia to support his family with the birth of his second child, he was anticipated to regain his position at the top of the order. However, following KL Rahul’s commendable 77 in India’s victory in Perth, adjustments were made, leading Rohit to bat at No. 6.
This transition hasn’t brought success for Rohit, as he has struggled with scores of 10, 3, and 6 in his last three innings, while Rahul capitalized on his opportunity, scoring a remarkable 84 in the first innings of the third Test in Brisbane.
Rohit emphasized his commitment to the team, stating, “Let’s not worry about who bats where. It’s something we need to sort out internally and not discuss publicly. We will always prioritize what is best for the team.”
Addressing questions about Virat Kohli’s form and his challenges outside the off-stump, Rohit expressed confidence in Kohli finding his footing again.
“Kohli’s issues with the off-stump… you call them modern-day greats for a reason. They always find their path,” said Rohit.
Kohli had scored a century in the second innings of the Perth Test after India was out for just 150 runs in the first innings.
Nevertheless, he was dismissed for 7 and 11 in the second Test outright loss, and managed only 3 runs in the drawn third Test in Brisbane.
Young player Yashasvi Jaiswal has struggled to replicate his initial success following his match-winning 161 in the first Test, yet Rohit remarked that he will encourage Jaiswal to play freely.
“You don’t want to disrupt Jaiswal’s mindset. He has a better understanding of his batting than any of us. The goal is to motivate him to play his natural game.” (PTI)