Is Rohit Sharma the ultimate home track bully?

[MenInG]

The stats tell all.

Definitely an entertaining player to watch but only when things in his favour. There is a definite need for such batsmen in any line-up but can India afford this for overseas tours?

 

[Bilal_103]

India should just play him in Asia. Hes a destructive batsmen and can win you games by himself.

 

[pillionrider]

His opening career has just started. It's gonna be a different beast from hereon.

In the 4 innings he opened in Australia, he looked comfortable, daresay even better than the rest in at least one of them. He only got a 50 and a 40 but those stats in the OP are gonna take a beating. I'm sure

 

[Devadwal]

Yes he is ,now what next ? Some countries player even can't play at home also

 

[Saurav]

India should just play him in Asia. Hes a destructive batsmen and can win you games by himself.

And play who overseas?

 

[Saurav]

Eng tour is gonna be the big challenge for him

If he averages 40 there with 1 ton,I'd convert

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Not a fan of Rohit the test batsman.

Not sure if he will make it.

But one of the common mistakes that we fans do is take overall stats while ignoring the recent improvements made.

Same was done for Ashwin.

His SENA records used to atrocious cos he bowled in some of the deadest pitches mankind has ever produced in 2011 and 2015.....but over the years, he improved and his SENA numbers are not so bad. It's sub 30 in the last cycle.

We made the same mistake for Anderson. He started off average (overseas) but has gone from strength to strength in the last 5-10 years. He was always known as a swing bowling legend but now no one doubts his greatness even overseas. He may not have perfect stats but boy has he delivered enough killer blows. His last 10 year stats would be ATG level for sure.

Same way, Rohit's home & away isn't as relevant now.

He was pretty decent in Aus (actually much better than decent) and now he is performing when his team desperately needs him to on a tough pitch.

I don't know whether he will make it in test cricket. He probably still won't due to his temperament.

But home vs away statistics may not be the best way to judge him right now.

 

[MenInG]

Yes he is ,now what next ? Some countries player even can't play at home also

Thread is about Rohit Sharma.

Add your views about that.

 

[Saurav]

Not a fan of Rohit the test batsman.

Not sure if he will make it.

But one of the common mistakes that we fans do is take overall stats while ignoring the recent improvements made.

Same was done for Ashwin.

His SENA records used to atrocious cos he bowled in some of the deadest pitches mankind has ever produced in 2011 and 2015.....but over the years, he improved and his SENA numbers are not so bad. It's sub 30 in the last cycle.

We made the same mistake for Anderson. He started off average (overseas) but has gone from strength to strength in the last 5-10 years. He was always known as a swing bowling legend but now no one doubts his greatness even overseas. He may not have perfect stats but boy has he delivered enough killer blows. His last 10 year stats would be ATG level for sure.

Same way, Rohit's home & away isn't as relevant now.

He was pretty decent in Aus (actually much better than decent) and now he is performing when his team desperately needs him to on a tough pitch.

I don't know whether he will make it in test cricket. He probably still won't due to his temperament.

But home vs away statistics may not be the best way to judge him right now.

SENA records have improved for both him and Jaddu.I think its more of experience and knowing the lengths that work etc.

The problem with Rohit is he looks good but then plays a rash shot

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

SENA records have improved for both him and Jaddu.I think its more of experience and knowing the lengths that work etc.

The problem with Rohit is he looks good but then plays a rash shot

Yeah indeed.

Jaddu never had super bad SENA records. Did he?

He didn't get to bowl on those dead pattas so was saved in a way.

Though in recent cycle, England 2018 and Aus 2018, he bowled on some tough tracks and did well.

Jaddu's problem was that he was ALWAYS under-rated.

Always thought of as a joke.

He has turned into one of the most incredible cricketers I have seen.

The fact that we are so much worried about this series is because he ain't there. lol.

Take out our spin duo and I shudder to think what will happen to the team in this series.

---

As for Rohit, consistency will be a big issue.

With KL Rahul messing up his career, Rohit has been given a golden opportunity.

I don't see Rohit as a long term option tbh.

 

[Forward Defensive Push]

At least he's a bully somewhere.. Would have him rather than some of our batsmen

 

[Saurav]

Yeah indeed.

Jaddu never had super bad SENA records. Did he?

He didn't get to bowl on those dead pattas so was saved in a way.

Though in recent cycle, England 2018 and Aus 2018, he bowled on some tough tracks and did well.

Jaddu's problem was that he was ALWAYS under-rated.

Always thought of as a joke.

He has turned into one of the most incredible cricketers I have seen.

The fact that we are so much worried about this series is because he ain't there. lol.

Take out our spin duo and I shudder to think what will happen to the team in this series.

---

As for Rohit, consistency will be a big issue.

With KL Rahul messing up his career, Rohit has been given a golden opportunity.

I don't see Rohit as a long term option tbh.

Same.Which is why I wanted to go with someone younger

My out of the box choice is Sundar.Opens for TN and seems to have temperament and technique required

I know it sounds crazy right now

 

[Rana]

He’s like Shan Masood outside of India

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Same.Which is why I wanted to go with someone younger

My out of the box choice is Sundar.Opens for TN and seems to have temperament and technique required

I know it sounds crazy right now

Yeah Sundar has the mental edge and needs to be backed at all costs.

Debut game.

At Gabba no less.

Team under pump.

Scores a series saving 50.

Then comes in the second innings, stabilizes a wobble, smashes Pat Cummins for a six and supports Pant to win a historic series.

As a debutant.

Then comes home and scores 85* when the team is under serious pump.

What a guy.

These are the kind of players we need to back.

Maybe opening might work for him. I heard he used to be an opener. Did he open for TN?

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Not a fan of Rohit the test batsman.

Not sure if he will make it.

But one of the common mistakes that we fans do is take overall stats while ignoring the recent improvements made.

Same was done for Ashwin.

His SENA records used to atrocious cos he bowled in some of the deadest pitches mankind has ever produced in 2011 and 2015.....but over the years, he improved and his SENA numbers are not so bad. It's sub 30 in the last cycle.

We made the same mistake for Anderson. He started off average (overseas) but has gone from strength to strength in the last 5-10 years. He was always known as a swing bowling legend but now no one doubts his greatness even overseas. He may not have perfect stats but boy has he delivered enough killer blows. His last 10 year stats would be ATG level for sure.

Same way, Rohit's home & away isn't as relevant now.

He was pretty decent in Aus (actually much better than decent) and now he is performing when his team desperately needs him to on a tough pitch.

I don't know whether he will make it in test cricket. He probably still won't due to his temperament.

But home vs away statistics may not be the best way to judge him right now.

He's 33, brother. This is what he is. If it's a flat pitch in India or outside, they should play him.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

He's 33, brother. This is what he is. If it's a flat pitch in India or outside, they should play him.

I am not advocating for Rohit at all.

Just saying these stats may not be the best way to judge him.

It makes him look like a legend in Asian conditions and a pauper outside.

He is neither.

 

[Saurav]

Yeah Sundar has the mental edge and needs to be backed at all costs.

Debut game.

At Gabba no less.

Team under pump.

Scores a series saving 50.

Then comes in the second innings, stabilizes a wobble, smashes Pat Cummins for a six and supports Pant to win a historic series.

As a debutant.

Then comes home and scores 85* when the team is under serious pump.

What a guy.

These are the kind of players we need to back.

Maybe opening might work for him. I heard he used to be an opener. Did he open for TN?

Yes he played as an opener in Ranjis

Kohli has already dropped him though

 

[Saj]

He’s like Shan Masood outside of India

He's not that bad.

Cut him some slack.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Yes he played as an opener in Ranjis

Kohli has already dropped him though

It was a tough call.

Understandable today.

But Kohli needs to go for sure.

He has done his part for Indian cricket and now his "jumping around like a monkey" style captaincy is only hurting India.

Rooting for Rahane

 

[Nikhil_cric]

He is poor but atleast hes better than Abid Ali and Imran butt.

 

[Bilal_103]

He is poor but atleast hes better than Abid Ali and Imran butt.

bro dont compare sharma to these 2. I would take Rohit 7 days of the week over those 2.

 

[Devadwal]

In Australia series he & Gill gave India very good start .that's one of reason India won the series . I'll take any Players who scored meaningful 40-70s .I think his game improve in this cycle hope he continues his good form

 

[Nikhil_cric]

bro dont compare sharma to these 2. I would take Rohit 7 days of the week over those 2.

I know. The point I was making was that he atleast performs somewhat in home conditions. India desperately needs openers as I think Gill is a number 3

 

[Ab Fan]

He is a beast at home, ain't he? Someone whom we can expect to average 65-70 at home even after playing 50 tests at home.

The only concern is his game against Duke bowl in English conditions. I don't think he will be able to survive even a bit.

 

[Firebat]

Wasn't he 80 from 78 or something ridiculous like that at some point? Opening the innings on day 1 vs England?

 

[Ab Fan]

Prithvi Shaw will be another home track bully like him.

KL Rahul, on other hand, is an all-condition player and should be considered among the top 6 batsman post Rahane's retirement.

 

[RamLakhan]

Opening Batsmen & Opening Bowlers (pacers) should be the same in all conditions. They set the game for the team... So you can't have different openers for home & away! Who said new ball doesn't count in India? KL Rahul lost his opener spot (in tests) simply because he couldn't handle the new ball against freaking West Indies at home, at India!!!!!

If Rohit Sharma is good enough to open he should open everywhere (including tough overcast conditions in England!) If you are asking someone else to open in only such peculiar conditions then you are leading to a fragile team which can be vulnerable & inconsistent!

If someone is good enough to open ahead of Rohit Sharma in England overseas test match, then he should be good enough to open in all conditions! Its as simple as that!

For the moment India has issues with both opening spots (we have a rookie opening at the other end, and the backups in the bench - Mayank, Rahul, etc, are also not reliable) In such a situation it is better to open with Rohit Sharma everywhere which covers one opening slot! This can be continued until we find the proper replacement...

But without an assured opening combination, no team can be consistent on their performance! One main reason why India can still be not compared to past Australia, West Indies sides is because of this reason only (no quality openers!)

 

[Mamoon]

Rohit is one of the modern greats and India have wasted his potential as a Test openers and have blooded him 5-6 years too late.

All this home track bully etc. is baloney. Runs do not come free at home. The hundred today was a masterclass.

 

[Rajdeep]

I expected him to fail and fail badly in Australia but to my surprise he did well against the likes of Starc and co. Though he didnt score many runs but looked very comfortable out there. His real test will be in England this summer.

 

[Varun]

Rohit is one of the modern greats and India have wasted his potential as a Test openers and have blooded him 5-6 years too late.

All this home track bully etc. is baloney. Runs do not come free at home. The hundred today was a masterclass.

Your words in a previous thread from 2013 though:

But I'm sure if worked upon, he would prove a massive player alongside Kohli and Pujara.

Axe the TTF Rohit and nurture Rahane.


He would succeed if the Indian selectors are as patient with him as they are with Rohit.

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/s...-vs-Ajinkya-Rahane-The-better-future-prospect

 

[Mamoon]

Your words in a previous thread from 2013 though:

Yes and so what? Things change over time. It is 2021 today, not 2013.

Full credit to Dhoni or whoever decided to promote him up the order in ODIs. It transformed his career and turned him into a legendary player.

A transformation that most of us, including myself, didn’t see coming.

Unfortunately the Indian management didn’t learn from that experience and delayed his promotion as a Test opener by at least 5-6 years.

 

[Varun]

Yes and so what? Things change over time. It is 2021 today, not 2013.

I'm just saying - with no offense intended - that you're using the benefit of hindsight to make your point. You and I and others were in favour of dropping him in 2013, and clearly didn't see much potential in Rohit at that time.

 

[pillionrider]

You and I and others were in favour of dropping him in 2013, and clearly didn't see much potential in Rohit at that time.

Well Rohit himself has said - forget about what I did before 2013, let's stick to what I did after....

 

[Mamoon]

I'm just saying - with no offense intended - that you're using the benefit of hindsight to make your point. You and I and others were in favour of dropping him in 2013, and clearly didn't see much potential in Rohit at that time.

It was clear by 2015-16 that Rohit is a top class ODI opener, and he was struggling in the middle-order in Test cricket just like he was struggling in the middle-order in ODI cricket from 2007 to 2012, and thus it would not have required a leap of faith from the management to try him as a Test opener in home conditions at the very least.

The Indian openers at the time were not exactly setting the world on fire overseas, so there wasn’t much harm in trying Rohit out.

 

[pillionrider]

Well Rohit himself has said - forget about what I did before 2013, let's stick to what I did after....

He'd actually shown a lot of his class before 2013, so not sure why he looks down on himself from that period. His debut or early series was in Australia when India won an ODI series for the first time ever (I think). He batted with Sachin and looked pure class. But then his lazy-looking ways of getting out, started the rumbles going which haven't stopped to this day.

Playing for Deccan Chargers too he had some stunning performances. Remember one game where he smashed Mashrafe off the final over to snatch an improbable win (20+ runs needed)

 

[Ab Fan]

It was clear by 2015-16 that Rohit is a top class ODI opener, and he was struggling in the middle-order in Test cricket just like he was struggling in the middle-order in ODI cricket from 2007 to 2012, and thus it would not have required a leap of faith from the management to try him as a Test opener in home conditions at the very least.

The Indian openers at the time were not exactly setting the world on fire overseas, so there wasn’t much harm in trying Rohit out.

India were looking at balanced all-round openers at that time. Home conditions wasn't a major concern for us, what we required of was someone who performed all-round.

Dhawan had some solid performances at home, New Zealand and Sri Lanka and everytime before getting dropped, he would come up with a good performance irrespective of home or away.

KL was expected to be the next big thing. It took 2018 England series before India moved on from Dhawan and then Australia series the same year before they dropped KL.

 

[Hasan123]

He has shown in his career that he is not just a HTB. He does have issues with lateral movement but he has done well against pace and bounce.

 

[pillionrider]

He sure likes a feast at home. It's more apparent when he plays a pull shot

 

[Colorblind Genius]

I would ABSOLUTELY love to have such a "home track bully" in our Test team.
He will also come handy in the LOI's.

 

[Justcrazy]

In next 2 years he will surprass all Indian batters in all formats. He is hitman , once he is set he can bruatalize any bowling attack to submission . The shots he can execute , even Kohli would be looking in awe.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

In next 2 years he will surprass all Indian batters in all formats. He is hitman , once he is set he can bruatalize any bowling attack to submission . The shots he can execute , even Kohli would be looking in awe.

Kohli has said numerous times he is in his awe since he watched him batting in his younger days.

 

[Hitman]

Rohit Sharma has become the first player to hit 200 international sixes in India.

 

[wasim-fan]

In Tests, for sure. I mean how can one argue otherwise. Although I don’t think it’s a bad thing in this Indian batting line up. Many of batsmen don’t seem to play well in home conditions.

 

[Last Monetarist]

The lack of respect for what Sharma contributes to the Indian team never ceases to amaze. Very few batsmen in world cricket could have played the innings he did yesterday.

 

[Napa]

It was a tough call.

Understandable today.

But Kohli needs to go for sure.

He has done his part for Indian cricket and now his "jumping around like a monkey" style captaincy is only hurting India.

Rooting for Rahane

Will be tough for Rahane given his recent failures with the bat. I say let's go with Rohit as captain

 

[Varun]

The lack of respect for what Sharma contributes to the Indian team never ceases to amaze. Very few batsmen in world cricket could have played the innings he did yesterday.

The problem is that it happens only once in 12 attempts, and typically at home where anybody else can win us the game anyway.

 

[Mamoon]

Rohit and Sehwag opening together would have been quite a spectacle. It would often not work with India losing two cheap wickets up front, but when they would click, it would be 300/0 in 45 overs type carnage.

 

[Varun]

Rohit and Sehwag opening together would have been quite a spectacle. It would often not work with India losing two cheap wickets up front, but when they would click, it would be 300/0 in 45 overs type carnage.

Rohit would barely be an upgrade over Akash Chopra. Sehwag's opening partner for the bulk of his career was Gambhir - no way Rohit can play the back to the wall Napier 2009 type innings.

Sehwag was a luxury item to have when our middle order was packed. And you can only make do with 1 of those players, not 2. And certainly not 2 openers.

 

[Mamoon]

Rohit would barely be an upgrade over Akash Chopra. Sehwag's opening partner for the bulk of his career was Gambhir - no way Rohit can play the back to the wall Napier 2009 type innings.

Sehwag was a luxury item to have when our middle order was packed. And you can only make do with 1 of those players, not 2. And certainly not 2 openers.

Gambhir had a great peak from 2008-2011, but throughout the early and mid 2000s, India struggled to find a consistent partner for Sehwag. They went through a lot of options.

Aakash Chopra is not a patch on prime Rohit. The latter is light-years ahead of him. Imagine Rohit opening with Sehwag in Pakistan in 2004. He would smash Akhtar, Sami and Kaneria into oblivion.

 

[Saurav]

Will be tough for Rahane given his recent failures with the bat. I say let's go with Rohit as captain

Rahane has better than Kohli in the WTC

 

[Ab Fan]

Let's not overrate Rohit based on one test inning.

Rahane has played a lot more special knocks than him and he is roughly an Azhar Ali level test bat.

 

[Varun]

Gambhir had a great peak from 2008-2011, but throughout the early and mid 2000s, India struggled to find a consistent partner for Sehwag. They went through a lot of options.

Aakash Chopra is not a patch on prime Rohit. The latter is light-years ahead of him. Imagine Rohit opening with Sehwag in Pakistan in 2004. He would smash Akhtar, Sami and Kaneria into oblivion.

On the subject of pairing Indian openers from different eras together, Sehwag and Gavaskar would be a match made in cricketing heaven.

 

[Mamoon]

On the subject of pairing Indian openers from different eras together, Sehwag and Gavaskar would be a match made in cricketing heaven.

Yes, but we got a glimpse of it when Sehwag and Dravid opened in Lahore in 2006.

India 410/1 in 77.2 overs

Sehwag 254 (247)

Dravid 128 (233)

 

[Varun]

Yes, but we got a glimpse of it when Sehwag and Dravid opened in Lahore in 2006.

India 410/1 in 77.2 overs

Sehwag 254 (247)

Dravid 128 (233)

And after that innings:

Have some Sehwag in your life, everyone.

 

[Zaz]

And after that innings:

Have some Sehwag in your life, everyone.

Im not surprised with that comment Sehwag isnt the sharpest tool in the box If he had a brain hed be dangerous

 

[Varun]

Im not surprised with that comment Sehwag isnt the sharpest tool in the box If he had a brain hed be dangerous

Why, he was dangerous enough.

 

[Zaz]

Hed be even more dangerous than he is

 

[sweep_shot]

I think he is a home track bully in Test only.

In LOI, he is good all over the world.

 

[JaDed]

And after that innings:

Have some Sehwag in your life, everyone.

I remember that he was criticized a lot by Gavaskar for that comment.

 

[Rightarmfast]

Rohit Sharma is a home track bully. To be fair, he is a flat track bully, he will score big in Pakistan and Srilanka and Bangladesh too.

But why does nobody talk about Jimmy Anderson and Broad? if anything, they are the epitome of home track bullies and sheeps in asia and other countries. And they are still called ATG, why?

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

I think he is a home track bully in Test only.

In LOI, he is good all over the world.

Agree with this. Hes an amazing player.

And would probably be even better if he cared about his fitness.

 

[King_Kohli]

Doesn't matter HTB or not.
But he played career best innings, played really well.
Great innings from Hitman.

 

[Hyperion66]

Probably a unpopular opinion but I think we missed the best of Rohit in test cricket. Too massive a talent to not be successful at this format. We wasted too much time with an over the hill Vijay and Dhawan when he should have been given a consistent run as an opener with KL. Special players sometimes require special treatment, nothing wrong in that. Yes, I believe if he was a regular opener since 2013/14 he would be a 50+ averaging all condition bat by now breaking records and ****.

 

[Hyperion66]

Rohit Sharma is a home track bully. To be fair, he is a flat track bully, he will score big in Pakistan and Srilanka and Bangladesh too.

But why does nobody talk about Jimmy Anderson and Broad? if anything, they are the epitome of home track bullies and sheeps in asia and other countries. And they are still called ATG, why?

Anderson is a genuine ATG Broad however is not. Dude is a typical English green track bully.

 

[BaankeJi]

Rohit batting has improved after he started opening. He was okay in Australia in tests. Once he plays more games as opener , the HTB tag will go away. Earlier people used to say he is not good enough in tests. After opening batting, criticism has shrunk to HTB tag which he will shed in due course.

 

[OMB]

Rohit batting has improved after he started opening. He was okay in Australia in tests. Once he plays more games as opener , the HTB tag will go away. Earlier people used to say he is not good enough in tests. After opening batting, criticism has shrunk to HTB tag which he will shed in due course.

His chances alas are coming too late. In away tests, to change the average from 27 to 50, he needs to play for at least 15 to 20 tests and score big hundreds. There is always his age and his competition waiting.

 

[AMSS]

Will be hysterical if he ends his career with a 50 plus average in tests. In fairness to hitman, he did open competently in Aus.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

He is an HTB in test matches and one of the best one at that.. David Warner comes close with 2nd position.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

I remember that he was criticized a lot by Gavaskar for that comment.

The thing is it was a genuine response. Pretty sure he knew nothing about those two names.

 

[pillionrider]

Man of the Series if India wins this.

Saving us the potential embarrassment of losing to England at home.
[MENTION=132715]Varun[/MENTION]

 

[OMB]

He certainly saved the 1st innings. Looked like India would be all out under 100 but Rohit was good.

 

[Hasan123]

We all mock HTB. But consistently scoring at home year in and year out is not as easy as people think at international level.

 

[jnaveen1980]

I have my own criticism against him. But in this series India missed a HTB desperately. Rohit put his hand up.

 

[King_Kohli]

Man of the Series if India wins this.

Saving us the potential embarrassment of losing to England at home.

[MENTION=132715]Varun[/MENTION]

Man of the series should goes to Ashwin, 27 wickets and scored 189 runs with an average of 32.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

I have my own criticism against him. But in this series India missed a HTB desperately. Rohit put his hand up.

Without him, we would have lost this series.

Quality performance.

Clutch and tough runs.

Kohli is yet to score well in a series in India where pitches were challenging.

He has a few stray knocks (chennai 2013, kolkata 2016, mumbai 2016) but goes missing in the whole series.

2016 eng series was great great performance but thats his only clutch home series performance and the pitches werent challenging in 4 out of 5 games.

Rohit has already done well in that regard.

 

[Pakhs]

He is a home track bully but also a flat track bully.. In both cases very good one at that.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

He is the one who is saving India from embarrassment at the moment but he could also be the first one to put India under pressure early in England.

 

[Pakhs]

Man of the series should goes to Ashwin, 27 wickets and scored 189 runs with an average of 32.

Axar numbers are out of this world he should get it another potential fifer coming in next test.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

He is our Jimmy Anderson of batting.

 

[Ab Fan]

Rohit is brilliant and at this point, he is probably the one with the highest chance of performing for us as opener in England compared to Mayank or Shaw. So, hope he does well!