Rohit Sharma has definitely improved a notch as batsman: Sachin Tendulkar

Team India currently lead the ongoing five-match Test series against England by a 1-0 margin, following a triumph in the recent encounter at Lord’s. One major factor behind this success has been the impressive performances of opener Rohit Sharma. Rohit has helped ensure solidity at the top of the order for Team India, resulting in a massive advantage. The opener’s performances have drawn praise from legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar who believes the 34-year-old has improved a notch as a batsman.

“(From) whatever I have seen, I feel, he has taken the lead and he has shown the other side of his temperament and how he can change his game and adapt to situation and play accordingly. He has been a leader there and KL (Rahul) has supported him brilliantly,” he said in an interaction with PTI.

“As far as playing pull shot is concerned (which got him out in the first innings at Lord’s), he has cleared the fence with that shot and I am looking at what he has been able to achieve for the team in both Tests. Rohit has left the ball and defended the ball brilliantly or equally well. He was always a fantastic player but seeing his last few innings in England, I can say he has definitely gone a notch higher,” added Tendulkar.

“This bowling attack is the best in the world”

The legendary cricketer was further full of praise for the Indian bowling attack, which played a crucial role in the triumph at Lord’s. Mohammed Siraj was the pick of the bowlers, accounting for four dismissals. Tendulkar termed the Indian bowling attack as the best in the world, which is an indication of how highly he rates their capabilities.

“Today this bowling attack is the best in the world. It’s a reflection of talent, discipline and ability to work hard on fitness and wanting to learn more. I don’t like comparisons across eras because bowling attacks should also be judged by batters who are batting against them. Be it during Kapil’s or Srinath’s or Zaheer’s generation, there were different batsmen facing them,” he said.

“Virat’s footwork an area of concern”

Team India skipper Virat Kohli has failed to make his presence felt so far, with below-par scores much to the disappointment of fans back home. Tendulkar termed Kohli’s inability to move his feet properly while batting and also moving too far across the stumps as the factor leading to the cheap dismissals.

“Virat hasn’t had a great start. It is the mind that leads to technical errors and if the start isn’t good you start thinking about a lot of things. Because anxiety levels are high you tend to over compensate your movements. When a batsman isn’t in good form you either go too far across or don’t move your feet at all. That happens to everyone. Form is also your state of mind along with the body working in harmony,” he concluded.

The third Test of the five-match series will take place at Headingley in Leeds between August 25 and August 29. It will be interesting to see if Team India can hold on to this lead and eventually clinch the series.