Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden has urged Indian captain Rohit Sharma to bring more energy and aggression to his batting as the tourists face a tough task in the ongoing third Test against Australia at The Gabba in Brisbane.
After the disastrous collapse of India’s top order on Day 3, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul will need to form a long partnership if the Border-Gavaskar Trophy champions are to bounce back in the ongoing Gabba Test against the mighty Aussies.
Matthew Hayden urges Rohit Sharma to bring energy and aggression to crucial Gabba Test
Australia posted 445 runs in their first innings to set India a huge target, but the tourists’ batting line-up crumbled under pressure at The Gabba. India’s top batsmen Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant failed to make significant contributions against Australia.
With the Indian cricket team still trailing by 394 runs against Australia, Matthew Hayden stressed the need for Rohit Sharma to approach his batting with more energy, which he lacked in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
Urging Rohit to play with great energy and intent, at least for his own sake, the cricket expert said the Indian skipper should bring his vintage avatar to pull his team out of danger in the ongoing Gabba Test against Australia.
When I think of him, I think of a free-kicker: Matthew Hayden
Matthew Hayden told Star Sports: “When I think of Rohit Sharma, I think of a free-scorer. You look at those two hundreds in one-day cricket, his magnificence in the shorter formats. There must be a great intention and energy about him just for the sake of Rohit Sharma. When I remember Adelaide’s first game here in a long time, it was a little slow. I would say to him as his partner, “I don’t want to see you defend the ball here.”
I want him to be really reactive to the ball, ready to fight because his natural game will flow. Energy and intent will drive that front foot further towards the ball. Rohit, what I want from you, my brother, is to play with great energy and intent, and I would say these two words for him to think about during his preparation.”
Matthew Hayden urges Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul to form a key partnership for India’s comeback in the Gabba Test
Meanwhile, the former Australian opener stressed the importance of a strong partnership between Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul to help India pull through in the ongoing third Test against Australia at The Gabba.
Both players need to lay a solid foundation for India to make a comeback in the match. However, Rohit is under pressure due to his recent batting struggles and his controversial decision to put on weight for the first time since winning the toss in Brisbane.
Despite the criticism, Hayden believes the Indian skipper has a great chance to prove himself as both a captain and a batsman in Brisbane, as Rohit’s strong and aggressive performance could not only turn things around for India but also boost morale. team and their supporters.
