'Learn from Michael Clarke's example to inspire Rohit Sharma's comeback with bat: 'He will tell you...'

During a discussion on ESPN Australia, former Australia captain Michael Clarke suggested that Rohit Sharma has appeared hesitant and has not shown his usual aggressive intent while batting, a style that has brought him success throughout his career. Clarke drew parallels to his own experiences in red-ball cricket and pointed out how Aaron Finch, also on the panel, has faced similar challenges in the past.

“You never pick just based on form. He’s captain of the team, I’m definitely picking him. Rohit hasn’t started here, he took some time to get back into it. He wants some runs, and he’s an exceptional player," Clarke began.

"He plays in middle-order because he thinks it’s best for the team. I won’t make any change. KL Rahul is doing a great job at the top, I understand that. I don’t think it matters what format he plays; when he’s confident and backing himself, playing with aggressive intent, that’s where he is at his best.

"Finch is a good example. He will tell you, batting in Test cricket where the ball is moving, when you are a player who has dominated short-format cricket, it’s hard when your confidence drops.

“I remember having conversations with Finchy, I’d rather have him go out and backing himself from ball one. Sometimes, it doesn’t look great, but that’s the way these boys play. They are X-factor players, match-winners. Rohit is such an important player in Indian team.”

With the third Test ending in a draw in Brisbane, the five-Test series is poised for an exciting finish, as the action moves to Melbourne for the iconic Boxing Day Test.

The series is currently level at 1-1, and Rohit would aim to make a mark with the bat when he returns to action on December 26.