Manjrekar Criticizes “VIP Culture” in Indian Cricket
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has voiced his concerns over the decision to move Rohit Sharma back to the opening slot, suggesting it was unfair to KL Rahul. Speaking during Day 2 of the Melbourne Test, Manjrekar compared this situation to past instances, such as Sachin Tendulkar’s decision to continue playing post the 2011 World Cup to achieve 100 international centuries. He urged Indian cricket to prioritize the team’s best interests over individual players’ forms or reputations.
Rohit Sharma’s Struggles Continue
India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, has been enduring a prolonged slump in form. In the ongoing Melbourne Test, he lasted only five balls in the first innings before being dismissed for three runs by Australia’s Pat Cummins. Attempting an ambitious pull shot, Rohit misjudged the delivery and gave an easy catch to Scott Boland. This continued his lean patch, with just 152 runs in his last 14 innings and his last half-century coming against New Zealand in Bengaluru.
“Unfair to KL Rahul,” Says Manjrekar
Manjrekar highlighted how KL Rahul has consistently performed well in the opening role during the ongoing series, showing remarkable composure and skill. “KL Rahul has been India’s most reliable batter, forming crucial partnerships, including a record one with Yashasvi Jaiswal in Australia,” he said during an interview with ESPNcricinfo.
The decision to accommodate Rohit at the top, according to Manjrekar, is symptomatic of Indian cricket’s preference for marquee players. “This practice of sacrificing younger or less established players to accommodate senior ones doesn’t benefit the team and reflects poorly on decision-making,” he added.
Sympathy for Rohit Sharma’s Struggles
While critical of the decision, Manjrekar also empathized with Rohit’s challenges, describing the mental toll that an extended run of poor form can take on a player. Analyzing Rohit’s approach, he remarked, “He’s trying to regain his natural game but finds himself caught between defense and aggression, leading to errors in judgment.”
India’s Challenges in the Melbourne Test
India’s batting woes continued in the Melbourne Test as the visitors were reduced to 164/5, still trailing Australia by 310 runs. With Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja at the crease, India faces a daunting task to stage a comeback in the match.
Conclusion: Time for a Change in Approach
Manjrekar’s remarks serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing team needs over individual milestones or reputations. As India grapples with a challenging Test series, the focus should be on making decisions that strengthen the team rather than catering to big-name players.
