Sanjay Manjrekar, a former Indian cricketer and renowned commentator, has expressed his disappointment with Rohit Sharma's tactics in the recently concluded match against New Zealand. According to Manjrekar, Rohit made a grave mistake by not introducing Ravichandran Ashwin into the attack earlier, which could have potentially altered the course of the game.
Manjrekar felt that Ashwin's inclusion in the initial stages of the game would have caused trouble for the New Zealand batters. His argument is based on the fact that Ashwin's bowling style and expertise would have complemented Jasprit Bumrah's pace and accuracy. By combining these two bowlers, India could have created a formidable duo that would have posed significant challenges to the New Zealand batting line-up.
Rohit's decision to hold back Ashwin did raise questions, considering the latter's impressive record in Test cricket. Ashwin's ability to take wickets in favorable conditions and his expertise in handling various situations could have proved to be a decisive factor in the match. However, Rohit's tactics saw Ashwin being introduced later, which, according to Manjrekar, gave the New Zealand batters ample opportunity to settle down and find their feet.
While it's impossible to change the course of the match, Manjrekar's criticism does highlight the potential benefits of introducing Ashwin earlier in the game. In hindsight, it's clear that Ashwin's participation in the attack could have caused significant problems for the New Zealand batters. However, cricket is a game of complexities and uncertainties, and while tactics play a significant role, other factors such as the opposition's strength and the game's dynamics also come into play.
It's also worth noting that Rohit's tactics might have been influenced by various factors, including the performance of other bowlers, the condition of the pitch, and the opposition's batting strategy. While it's easy to question Rohit's decisions, it's essential to consider the various nuances that are involved in captaincy and the dynamics of the game.