The curious case of Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma’s talent is probably like God – few believe in it, but nobody in the world has seen it.

Rohit Sharma started his career playing for Mumbai and with runs under his belt and, more importantly, his way of gathering those runs, earned him praises all over and was touted be Indian’s finest young talent. When he made his ODI debut in June 2007, he didn’t get much of a bat. However, he made his name for himself with a 50 in just his second T20 game and the first where he got a chance to bat against South Africa in the 2007 T20 World Cup, and scored a crucial 50 on a difficult wicket. He also inflicted the run-out of dangerous Justin Kemp and an overall performance earned him a deserved Man of the Match award. He then went on to contribute important runs and his brilliance in the field was for none to miss. India went on to win the T20 World Cup with a young team and Rohit Sharma being an integral part was considered a special one for the future, given his talent.

He then went on to score a brilliant 70 on a tough wicket, where only the little master had a say. He formed a formidable partnership to earn India a crucial win over the Aussies in Australia. He was slowly getting into the groove and the nation saw a future star in him.

The following year saw the first edition of the IPL and Rohit Sharma’s performance and potential talent forced Deccan Chargers to splash the cash, earning Sharma a huge amount. His performance was exemplary and he paid back each penny paid for him with his performance. In the second edition too, he was brilliant, but his performance in the national team saw an evident dip. His performances for Deccan Charges prompted Mumbai Indians to empty their pockets for the prized asset. His IPL performances were great throughout, but a substandard performance for India gave birth to question marks over his commitment and attitude, the talent probably everyone assumed was there.

He went in and out of the team and his fans and critics backed him and lobbied for a permanent place in the Indian side, but even that didn’t help. Even on being given a continuous run, there were no signs of improvement. Probably the approach was too casual, given the odd good innings he used to play displayed one of the finest talents the country has ever produced. Such was the potential of his talent that even the little master had encouraging words for him; Ravi Shastri from the commentary box also constantly talked about the man’s ability. But having talent alone doesn’t help, it needs to be backed by right attitude and channelled in the right direction. A talent not justified and applied, is like an unfulfilled promise.

Even in the recent games against both England and Pakistan, Rohit Sharma got a fair chance, but it seemed he didn’t want to grab it and continued playing far too casually. He even once stated in the interview that this is how he was and he doesn’t care what people say, but I would like to say sorry Mr Sharma, this is India and not the team owned by your household. Either show the right attitude and determination to play or perform, or there are plenty waiting in the wings who are ready put their all at stake for the Indian cap and they care for the people of the nation.

Sharma averages a mediocre 30.43 in 81 ODI innings with two 100s and twelve 50s to his credit, but it doesn’t seem good enough for a middle order batsman in a team known for the best batting lineup in the world. His T20 performances have been relatively better, where he averages close to 30, but a combination of a recent dip and wrong batting position for him defies sense to have him in the team.

It is surprising how Manoj Tiwary seems to have not got a chance despite scoring a ton in his last ODI innings – you have to feel for the lad. I was one of the biggest fans of Rohit Sharma and I still am, and I believe his talent is unparalleled; he is the brightest, but even I am out of excuses and explanations for his failure and casual behaviour and I feel he must be dropped from the Indian side in favour of a bowling all-rounder. By doing that, not only will India get a good balance in the side, but also a player who is ready to give it all on the field.

Even the likes of Suresh Raina had a bad patch and everyone wanted him out, but he showed the Indian place means a lot to him and was ready to sweat it out, which has seen a considerable improvement in his performances.

A message to Rohit Sharma – perform or perish. Nobody now cares how talented you are or being casual is your own way, they just want runs and good performances and more importantly the zeal and enthusiasm of wearing the national colours. Probably Sharma is too content with the money he is making in the IPL and the national contract and lacks the inner drive. Maybe I am wrong and I hope I am, but unfortunately this seems more evident than not.

I would still say India has missed a great talent. Though he has age on his side and time to turn it around, if he continues in this fashion, another chance might be getting too far away from him.

All talent, but no good, and the rest is history- this is Rohit Sharma for you!

P.S – I am still a Rohit Sharma fan and I hope he proves the world wrong.