Indian’s batting coach Sanjay Bangar has asked Rohit Sharma’s critics to give the batsman some breathing space and not be too harsh on him, saying Sharma’s stats are comparable to “any other cricketer”.

Sharma was selected ahead of Cheteshwar Pujara in the Test team and some feel he has been given a lot more opportunities at the top level than Pujara. But Bangar doesn’t agree with the notion.

“If you look at the numbers, he has played 13 (14) Test matches and scored 800-900 (870) runs at an average of 40 (37.82) with two centuries and four half-centuries,” Bangar was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. “I believe that in the matches that he has played so far he has contributed to the team’s cause.”

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"I think if his critics can go back and compare the first 13 Test matches of any other cricketer who has played for a while, I think they would probably be less harsh on Rohit."

Bangar added that Pujara’s below par performances led to the team management selecting Sharma ahead of the Saurashtra batsman.

“Pujara was having a tough time, so he (Rohit) was given a fair run at No3. He batted very well in Sydney. He got starts in both the innings (53 and 39) but could not convert it into a big one.

“After those five opportunities, we felt that moving him down the order would benefit the team. (He is) somebody who constantly wants to contribute. And it worked out beautifully. In both the Test matches (P Sara and SSC), Rohit played vital innings for the team.”