Rohit Sharma, India’s Test captain, has been under fire following India’s loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy decider against Australia in Sydney. Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif openly criticized Rohit’s decision to sit out the match, calling it a poor judgment. Kaif believes that as captain, Rohit had a duty to lead the team, especially in a do-or-die game.
India entered the final match of the series trailing 1-2 and needed at least a draw to retain the trophy. However, Rohit opted to drop himself due to poor batting form, leaving fans and analysts divided over his choice. While some called it a selfless move, others, including Kaif, felt it was a failure in leadership.
Leadership Scrutiny
Kaif expressed his disappointment on his YouTube channel, saying, “Rohit Sharma should’ve played the Sydney Test, even if he wasn’t scoring runs. That’s when a captain is needed the most. Everyone struggled in this series; it wasn’t just Rohit. Kohli, Labuschagne, even Khawaja were inconsistent. But as the leader, you stay and fight with your team.”
Rohit’s absence was felt even more when stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah suffered a back injury during the game. Without their frontline bowler and leader, India struggled to defend a modest target of 162 on a challenging pitch. Former captain Virat Kohli had to take over, but the lack of cohesion hurt India.
Kaif also pointed out that debutant Prasidh Krishna was under pressure, with no experienced guidance during critical moments. “Who was there for these young bowlers? Rohit knows this team inside-out. His presence alone could’ve made a difference,” Kaif added.
Divided Opinions
While Kaif’s remarks have sparked debate, not everyone agrees with his view. Former cricketer Irfan Pathan praised Rohit for making what he called a “pragmatic decision.” Pathan argued that a player out of form could’ve been a liability in such a crucial game.
Rohit himself admitted to struggling with the bat, scoring just 31 runs in three matches before stepping aside. Addressing speculation about his future, he said, “Form comes and goes. It’s part of cricket. I’m not done with Tests yet, but I felt it was the right call for the team at that moment.”
India’s Troubles
The loss in Sydney meant India surrendered the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia for the first time in seven years. The team’s performance in the series raised many questions, especially with the World Test Championship final out of reach. Fans now wonder about the road ahead, as India prepares for their next Test assignment against England in June.
Kaif didn’t hold back while discussing the team’s struggles. “The players looked lost. Kohli stepping in mid-match as captain was a temporary fix. The team needed a steady leader. This wasn’t the time for Rohit to step away,” he said.
Looking Ahead
The debate over Rohit Sharma’s role in Test cricket is far from over. While some believe he should step down as captain, others think he deserves another chance to prove himself. With a challenging series against England on the horizon, Rohit’s decisions will be closely watched.
For now, Indian cricket fans can only hope for better days ahead, as the team regroups and reflects on a disappointing series Down Under. The big question remains: Can Rohit Sharma reclaim his form and leadership in Tests, or is it time for a new face to take charge?
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