A change in technique after being asked to open had a negative impact on his performance and no wonder VVS Laxman wants Rohit Sharma to stick to his natural game in his new role during the upcoming South Africa Test series.
Laxman was one of the earlier examples in Indian cricket, who was forced to open the innings between 1996-98 despite being a specialist middle-order batsman, a role he never felt comfortable with.
“The biggest advantage that Rohit has is his experience, which I didn’t have. I opened in Test cricket only after playing four Test matches. Rohit has played 12 years of international cricket. So he has the maturity and the experience and he is also in good form,” Laxman told former India cricketer Deep Dasgupta, during an interview on latter’s YouTube channel “Deep Point”.
Laxman, who also was a touch player like the wristy Mumbaikar, could relate with Rohit’s situation and spoke about how a tweak in technique messed his rhythm. “I believe the mistake that I made while opening the innings was to change my mindset, which got me a lot of success as a middle-order batsman, whether it’s batting No 3 or No 4,” said the 44-year-old, who scored 8781 runs in 134 Tests.
“I also tried to change my technique. As a middle-order batsman, I was always having a front press (front-foot trigger) and then go towards the ball, whereas talking to seniors and coaches, I went to back and across as I had to face Curtly Ambrose (97-away series), who would generate steep bounce from length. This huge change in approach affected my batting and I hope Rohit shouldn’t do it,” Laxman told the former India stumper.
“If you tweak your natural game too much, then you will not get the results as your mind gets cluttered and you tend to lose your rhythm. I can admit that my flow was affected when I opened. Rohit is a rhythm-based player and if his touch gets affected, then it will be difficult,” the Hyderabadi stylist was candid in his confession.
However Laxman didn’t discount that there is a basic discipline, more so in mindset that an opener must have and he is confident that a player of Rohit’s calibre can imbibe that after so many years of international experience.
“There is a slight change in mindset but technique should remain the same. Yes, there are certain basics like initially, you shouldn’t be fishing for balls outside the off-stump, not play too much away from the body, leave the bouncers. That mental discipline, which is very important. That discipline is also required is ODI also when white kookaburra swings,” reminded Laxman.
Laxman is happy that selection committee has made it clear that Rohit will open in all three Test matches.
“He will get three Tests and it’s not often that a selection committee shows so much faith in a player and guarantee that he will open in three games.”
