NEW DELHI: Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has addressed Rohit Sharma‘s current form concerns ahead of the Champions Trophy. Ashwin suggests that Rohit needs to respond to critics through his performance on the field.
“This is not easy. If you look at it from Rohit’s point of view, then obviously, it is frustrating for him. He wants to concentrate on the series. He thinks that ‘I’ve done well in this format and I’d like to continue.I’m going into the tournament with a lot of confidence on the back of the One-Day tournaments that I’ve played’,” Ashwin said in his YouTube channel.
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Rohit’s recent performance has been under scrutiny. He scored only two runs in the first ODI against England in Nagpur after returning from a self-imposed break during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
“But people will ask questions. The ones who are watching will obviously ask. It’s a catch-22 situation. You can’t stop these questions. When will they stop? When he performs,” Ashwin added.
India managed to secure a four-wicket victory over England in the first ODI in Nagpur. The second ODI is scheduled for Sunday in Cuttack.
Jadeja is more gifted than me: Ashwin
Ashwin also shared his thoughts about all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja‘s performance. He considers Jadeja more talented than himself. Jadeja demonstrated his skills in the first ODI by taking three wickets for 26 runs and scoring an unbeaten 12 runs off 10 balls.
“Our media fails to appreciate when a player does well. Whenever we lose, everyone becomes a villain. He dismissed Joe Root. Jadeja always goes under the radar. He is a ‘Jackpot Jango’,” Ashwin remarked.
“He is +10 in the field, also bowls well and bats in pressure situations as well. We don’t give Jadeja enough credit. Jadeja is way more gifted than I ever can be. He is a born athlete. His major advantages lie in his physical fitness. He is naturally fit. Even at this age, he can cover the entire area from long-on to deep square leg while standing at mid-wicket. I wouldn’t be surprised. And I will be more than happy for him.”
Rohit’s form remains a key focus as the Champions Trophy approaches, while Jadeja continues to be an important asset for the Indian team.
