Ex-BCCI selector believes India could have levelled the Border-Gavaskar Trophy under Rohit Sharma

Jatin Paranjpe, former BCCI selector, expressed disappointment and asserted that if Rohit Sharma hadn’t withdrawn from the Sydney Test, India could have levelled the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Recently, former BCCI selector Jatin Paranjpe reckoned that India could have levelled the Border-Gavaskar Trophy had Rohit Sharma not ‘stood’ down from the Sydney Test. Rohit had dropped himself from the last Test of the 5-match series after enduring a horrid run in the three Tests he played.

Jatin Paranjpe feels Rohit Sharma could have done a lot more in Test cricket.

Talking on a ‘A Century of Stories’ podcast with Cyrus Broacha, Paranjpe said, “I remember he was not playing Test cricket for India. And we had this conversation, and he said, ‘I started playing cricket with a red ball, Jatin. How can you say that I am not interested in Test cricket?’ I got the message, and I was hoping that that was what he would say.” He added, “He said he lives for Test cricket. I think Rohit Sharma could have done a lot more in Test cricket. I think he would be the first one to say that as well. I was a little bit disappointed that he chose to drop himself in Sydney because we could have levelled the series.”

Jatin Paranjpe praised Ravi Shastri’s role.

Paranjpe also credited the role of Ravi Shastri for helping Rohit Sharma rise in Test cricket. Paranjpe revealed that when he was a member of the selection committee, Shastri asked Rohit to open the batting for India. Shastri, who was the head coach at that time, was instrumental in changing the batter’s fortunes in Test cricket. He said, “That’s the big moment.  I remember I was part of the selection committee at that time. That was Ravi Shastri’s idea. Superb thinker. Ravi is 3-4 steps ahead of everybody when it comes to reading the game.”