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In the aftermath of India’s disheartening defeat against South Africa in the Centurion Test, the spotlight has shifted towards the captaincy of Rohit Sharma. The crushing loss by an innings and 36 runs has ignited widespread criticism, particularly surrounding Rohit’s decisions, team selection and his perceived preference for certain players.
Renowned cricket commentator and former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar recently shed light on the major differences in approach between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as Test captains, particularly in the context of the controversial selection of Prasidh Krishna.
Rohit Sharma’s tactical missteps: Sanjay Manjrekar’s analysis
As India succumbed to defeat in the Centurion Test and Rohit’s captaincy decisions came under intense scrutiny, Manjrekar did not mince words when criticizing Rohit’s choices, particularly the decision to persist with Shardul Thakur and Prasidh after lunch, a move labelled as a “blunder” by the seasoned commentator.
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Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri’s ruthlessness: Manjrekar’s candid take
In drawing a sharp contrast, Manjrekar pointed out how the previous team management under Virat and Ravi Shastri exhibited a ruthless approach in similar situations. He highlighted that after a performance like Prasidh’s, Virat and Ravi would have promptly dropped the struggling pacer without second thoughts. Manjrekar’s characterization of the duo as “ruthless” implied a no-nonsense attitude towards team selection, with a focus on fielding the best possible team for each match.
“I think there was a certain amount of underestimation of the South African batting after India got 245. But yes, it wasn’t one of Rohit Sharma’s best days or Test matches as captain. That was a blunder (starting with Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna after Lunch). These are the moments that you have to cash in. That was a huge mistake,” Manjrekar told ESPNcricinfo.
“The earlier team management of Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri would have been ruthless. Virat and Ravi would have dropped the pacer after his performance. Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma might give him another chance,” he added.
The shift in leadership style: Virat’s aggressive captaincy and Rohit’s patience
With this observation, Manjrekar brought to the forefront a significant shift in leadership style between Virat and Rohit. While Kohli was known for his aggressive and assertive captaincy, not shying away from making tough decisions, Rohit appears to have a more patient and forgiving approach, as Manjrekar suggested through his comments that Rahul Dravid and Rohit might give Krishna another chance.