[Watch] Rohit Sharma gets beaten by Devdutt Padikkal’s off-spin ahead of BGT 2024-25 4th Test

Team India skipper Rohit Sharma suffered a forgettable moment during his preparation for the all-important fourth Border-Gavaskar series Test against Australia in Melbourne, starting December 26. The 37-year-old was beaten all ends up by one of Devdutt Padikkal's off-spinning deliveries in the nets.

Rohit has been in dismal form in the ongoing Australia series, having scored 19 runs at an average of 6.33 in two Tests. The Indian captain missed the opening Test due to the birth of his second child.

However, with KL Rahul impressing at the top, Rohit has batted at No. 6 since his return to the side for the second Test. While Rahul has continued his excellent form as India's opener, Rohit has found no luck in the three innings at No. 6.

Here is a video of the uncomfortable sight for Indian fans of Rohit Sharma being beaten by Padikkal in the nets.

Rohit has been in an extended run of poor form in Tests since September, averaging under 12 in 13 innings. He has also crossed the half-century mark only once in this period.

"Take the attack to the opposition and not worry about anything else" - Ravi Shastri's advice to Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma and Ravi Shastri - Source: Getty

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has advised the struggling Rohit Sharma to bat with a clear and aggressive mindset to overcome his dismal run of form.

The 37-year-old has historically struggled in the red-ball format Down Under, averaging only 26.68 in 17 innings with no centuries and three half-centuries.

Speaking on the ICC Review, Shastri said:

"I think he's got to be very clear in his mindset to go out there and take the attack to the opposition and not worry about anything else. The last thing you want is him to be in two minds whether to defend or attack. In his case, it should be attack. He picks up length quickly, he should take the opposition on at that number. Because if he gets away in the first 10-15 minutes, in any way, he's not got past that 15-20 minutes, half an hour."

He added:

"So why don't you play a natural game, go and take the attack to the opposition and take it from there? Because I think that is his best way of not just coming back into form, winning a game for India as well. Because that number is a crucial number. The best No.6s in the world are the guys who know how to have the ability to counter-attack."

With the best-of-five series tied at 1-1, Rohit will look to lead India with the bat and as captain to a third consecutive Test series win in Australia.