“My strike rate has increased but the average has dipped a bit”, Rohit Sharma talks upon his approach in recent time.

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has openly discussed his deliberate strategy of embracing more risk while batting in One Day International (ODI) cricket in recent years, even if it means a slightly reduced batting average. Regarded as one of the most accomplished players in the 50-over format, Rohit stands as the sole cricketer to have achieved three double centuries in ODIs. Nonetheless, the exceptional batsman has encountered difficulties in converting his promising starts into substantial match-winning innings, with his highest score being 119 since 2020.

In a candid conversation with PTI, Rohit delved deeper into his adapted batting approach., Rohit Sharma said

“I wanted to take more risks, which is why my numbers are slightly different now. My (ODI) strike-rate (during this period) has increased but the average has dipped a bit. This is exactly what our batting coach (Vikram Rathour) was telling me, ‘You have scored big runs because of the way you batted all these years and in the last few years, it (big runs) has not happened because you are taking risks.

He has managed to secure just two centuries in 23 innings over this period. However, an impressive transformation has taken place in terms of his strike rate, especially evident in the years 2022 and 2023. Contrasting his career ODI strike rate of 90, Rohit has displayed a remarkable acceleration, boasting strike rates of 114.22 and 106.09 in the past two years respectively.

“My career strike-rate is around 90 (89.97) but in the past couple of years, if you look at my scores and take the strike-rate into consideration, it has been around 105-110. So somewhere you had to compromise. It is not possible to have a 55 average and a 110 strike-rate,” added Rohit.

The ongoing year has also showcased his prowess, maintaining an average of 47.87 with a strike rate of 106.09 across nine ODIs. Notably, his standout century against New Zealand in Indore exemplified his proficiency and adaptability to this new style of play.