Signs of Determination: Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ajinkya Rahane Display Hunger in Domestic Cricket

Rohit Sharma, the captain of India’s cricket team, has stated that he wishes to continue playing Test cricket. However, his performance in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy has raised questions about his capabilities. Rohit’s struggles with the bat were a contributing factor to India’s 1-3 defeat to Australia, which resulted in him being benched for the final Test in Sydney. Although Rohit has expressed his desire to continue playing Test cricket, former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar has emphasized that his commitment must be reflected in his on-field performances. Rohit, who is 37 years old, must display his skill and potential to maintain his place in the team.

Rohit Sharma has received advice from several quarters, including India coach Gautam Gambhir, to participate in the Ranji Trophy, though he has not confirmed his plans. During a discussion on Star Sports, Sanjay Bangar pointed out that players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, who were sidelined from the Indian Test team, have demonstrated their hunger for red-ball cricket by consistently featuring in the Ranji Trophy. Bangar emphasized that such commitment is essential for players aiming to make a return to the national squad.

Sanjay Bangar reflected on Rohit Sharma’s mindset, saying, “At 37, every failure hits harder for a cricketer. When a player sees past performances and struggles to replicate them, while young players are excelling, it can weigh heavily on his mind. This could be influencing his decision. Rohit needs to assess whether he still has the hunger to play Test cricket. If so, that hunger must be evident in his actions.”

Sanjay Bangar further emphasized, “There’s been much discussion about playing domestic cricket. Players like Pujara and Rahane, who are of similar stature to Rohit Sharma, have been dropped but have shown their hunger by playing at the domestic level. Even now, they’re grinding it out in domestic cricket, a stark contrast to the intensity of international play. Rohit has made it clear that he still wants to play for India, saying, ‘I am not going anywhere; I still want to play.’ If he backs that up with strong performances in domestic cricket, no one can stop him. However, his form and hunger must be evident.”

Rohit Sharma has received a pointed reminder to return to domestic cricket following his recent struggles in red-ball formats. Former cricketer Sanjay Bangar highlighted how Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, both sidelined from the Test team, have consistently showcased their hunger for cricket by playing domestic cricket. Bangar stressed that if Rohit is serious about continuing his Test career, he must demonstrate that same drive and commitment by performing at the domestic level, just like his counterparts.

Rohit Sharma has received advice from several quarters, including India coach Gautam Gambhir, to play in the Ranji Trophy, though he has yet to confirm his participation. In a discussion on Star Sports, Sanjay Bangar reminded Rohit that even stalwarts like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, who were dropped from India’s Test team, have demonstrated their hunger for red-ball cricket by regularly featuring in the Ranji Trophy. Bangar emphasized that such commitment is essential for players aiming to make a comeback to the national squad.

Sanjay Bangar highlighted the emotional challenge of being a 37-year-old cricketer, saying, “Every failure hurts because a cricketer is very proud of their achievements. When you look at past performances that you can’t replicate, and see young players excelling, it weighs heavily on your mind. This could have influenced Rohit’s decision. He needs to assess if he still has the hunger to play Test cricket. If he does, that hunger must be reflected in his actions, both on and off the field.”