Rohit Sharma should get back to Ranji Trophy to regain form: Sunil Gavaskar

New Delhi: Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has advised Rohit Sharma to get back to Ranji Trophy to regain form in the longest format after failing in the ongoing series against South Africa.

Rohit, whose Test career has never taken off despite being a regular in India's limited overs setup, have managed scores 0, 1, 23, 2 in the third and fourth Test of the series. He was out for a first ball duck on Saturday morning.

"After failing in Delhi Test, Rohit's position in team will be in line. But who will replace him? I feel Rohit should start playing in Ranji Trophy to get back to form in the longer format," Gavaskar told NDTV.

India are in commanding position in the Delhi Test, having already sealed the series in Nagpur. Gavaskar praised the application shown by captain Virat Kohli and first innings centurion Ajinkya Rahane on day three.

"Virat Kohli was positive on the third day. His partnership with Ajinkya Rahane was solid. They have put India in a strong position," he said.

Kohli is batting on 83 and Rahane 52 as India lead by 403 runs. Gavaskar, who earlier slammed the visiting batsmen saying they lacked application, technique and temperament, today said that South Africa's senior players not performing have hurt them immensely.

"South Africa have been handicapped by the poor performances of their senior players," he said referring to the likes of Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis.