Sanjay Manjrekar Urges Rohit Sharma to Learn Captaincy from MS Dhoni as New Zealand Dominate India in First Test

India found themselves in a perilous situation as New Zealand dominated the opening Test match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The Black Caps, powered by a magnificent century from Rachin Ravindra, posted a daunting first-innings score of 402, putting the visitors in a commanding position with a mammoth 356-run lead. The Indian team, having been bowled out for a mere 46 runs in their first innings, now faces an uphill battle to stay afloat in the match.

Ravindra’s 134 off 157 balls and his 137-run partnership with Tim Southee (65 off 74) for the eighth wicket severely dented India’s hopes of making a comeback on Day 3. Former Indian cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar, while analyzing the game, offered his insights on Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, suggesting that the Indian skipper could learn a valuable lesson from MS Dhoni’s approach to leadership.

Manjrekar’s Critique of Rohit’s Captaincy

Sanjay Manjrekar took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to express his views on Rohit Sharma’s leadership, comparing it to that of former Indian captain MS Dhoni. According to Manjrekar, one key area where Rohit falls short is in his ability to preempt situations and make crucial bowling changes before the opposition can gain momentum.

“Dhoni had this very unique ability to preempt & make a bowling change before the damage went out of control. Rohit needs to bring that quality into his leadership,” Manjrekar wrote. The remark garnered significant attention, especially given Rohit’s impressive record as the captain of Mumbai Indians, leading the team to five Indian Premier League (IPL) titles.

However, Manjrekar’s point seemed particularly relevant in the context of the ongoing match, where Rohit’s decisions, including the call to bat first on a pitch that was tricky and overcast, backfired. As New Zealand capitalized on India’s errors, Manjrekar’s critique of Rohit’s captaincy resonated with fans and analysts alike.

Rohit Sharma’s Response and Admission

Following India’s dismal performance on Day 2, Rohit Sharma candidly admitted that he had misjudged the pitch conditions and made a poor decision by opting to bat first. Speaking at the post-day press conference, Rohit acknowledged that the surface offered more assistance to the bowlers than anticipated.

“We thought it wouldn’t help the seamers much after the first session or so. There wasn’t much grass either. We expected it to be much flatter than it turned out to be. It was a misjudgment on my part, and I couldn’t read the pitch well. I am hurting to see this score of 46 as a captain as it was my call to bat first. But one or two bad calls in a year is quite alright,” said Rohit.

Despite Rohit’s calm demeanor, the Indian side found themselves under significant pressure as New Zealand continued to build on their substantial lead.

New Zealand’s Star Performers: Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee

The highlight of the match thus far has been the sensational batting display by Rachin Ravindra. The young left-hander, who has roots in Bengaluru, showed incredible composure and technique against a formidable Indian bowling attack. His innings of 134 was punctuated with 13 boundaries and four towering sixes, guiding New Zealand to a formidable total.

Ravindra’s partnership with Tim Southee, who contributed a brisk 65, was crucial in extending New Zealand’s lead. Together, they frustrated the Indian bowlers, who had initially reduced the visitors to 233/7 early on Day 3. The duo’s aggressive approach in the latter half of the session, particularly in the last four overs before lunch, yielded 58 runs and left the Indian team demoralized.

For India, Ravindra Jadeja was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3/72, while Kuldeep Yadav (3/99) and Mohammed Siraj (2/88) also chipped in with wickets. Despite their efforts, the Indian bowlers struggled to contain New Zealand’s tail, allowing the visitors to rack up a significant lead.

Rohit’s Captaincy: Comparisons to Dhoni’s Legacy

Manjrekar’s comparison of Rohit Sharma to MS Dhoni sparked debates on social media. Dhoni, widely regarded as one of the best captains in cricket history, was known for his sharp tactical acumen and ability to make game-changing decisions under pressure. His timely bowling changes and field placements often helped India regain control during critical moments in a match.

In contrast, Rohit’s leadership in the ongoing Test has come under scrutiny, particularly regarding his handling of bowlers and the timing of his decisions. With New Zealand in firm control of the match, many pundits believe that Rohit needs to adopt a more proactive approach, similar to Dhoni’s, in order to turn the tide in India’s favor.

India’s Battle for Survival

As New Zealand piled on the runs, India’s prospects of saving the Test looked increasingly bleak. The hosts now face the daunting task of batting out of their skins in the second innings to make the visitors bat again. With the pitch offering turn and uneven bounce, India’s batters will need to draw on all their experience and resilience to push the game into the fourth innings.

The Bengaluru crowd, known for its passionate support, will be hoping for a remarkable turnaround from the Indian team. However, with New Zealand holding all the aces, it remains to be seen whether India can mount a comeback or if the visitors will walk away with a comprehensive victory.

 A Test of Rohit’s Captaincy

As the first Test unfolds, Rohit Sharma’s captaincy will be closely scrutinized, especially in light of Manjrekar’s comments. The Indian skipper, who has enjoyed tremendous success in the IPL, now faces the challenge of proving his mettle on the international stage in the longest format of the game. With New Zealand in the driver’s seat, Rohit will need to inspire his team to stage a remarkable comeback in the remaining days of the Test.