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Former South African cricketer Daryll Cullinan has launched a sharp critique of Rohit Sharma, raising concerns about his fitness, form, and ability to handle the pressures of international cricket. In a candid interview, Cullinan argued that the Indian skipper’s struggles in overseas conditions and recent performances signal an alarming decline in his career trajectory.
Rohit Sharma’s woes with the bat
Rohit’s dismal form in Test cricket has been a talking point in the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series against Australia. In the second Test at Adelaide, Rohit opted to bat at No. 6, a move that was expected to provide him some breathing room. However, the change failed to yield results as the Indian captain managed just nine runs across both innings.
This latest failure adds to a worrying pattern. Rohit has registered only one half-century in his last 12 Test innings, with eight of those innings ending in single-digit scores. Since his match-winning hundred at The Oval in 2021, Rohit’s form has nosedived, leaving him vulnerable to criticism and doubts over his long-term place in the team.
Daryll Cullinan slams Rohit’s fitness and commitment
Speaking to Insidesports, Cullinan’s assessment of Rohit extended beyond his technical deficiencies. He pointed to Rohit’s physical condition as a significant hindrance, particularly when compared to players like Virat Kohli. “Rohit is overweight and not in good physical condition to endure a long Test series. Compare him to Virat, and the difference in their fitness levels is striking. Rohit is no longer a long-term option for India,” Cullinan remarked.
Such fitness concerns, particularly for a 38-year-old player, add fuel to the debate about Rohit’s ability to handle the rigorous demands of Test cricket. According to Cullinan, Rohit’s lack of preparation was evident even before the second Test, as the Indian captain reportedly spent minimal time in the nets leading up to the game.
Also READ: Kapil Dev makes a bold remark on Rohit Sharma’s captaincy amid criticism following India’s Adelaide Test loss
A declining test career: From hero to struggler
Rohit’s fall from grace in the ICC Test rankings reflects his struggles. Once a top-10 batter with a rating of 813 points, he has now dropped out of the top 30, with a rating of 595. This decline underscores his inability to deliver consistent performances, particularly in challenging overseas conditions.
Cullinan’s “flat-track bully” label stems from Rohit’s stellar home record, which contrasts sharply with his struggles abroad. “Rohit is fantastic in Indian conditions where the pitches are flat, but he fades away on bouncy tracks. He just cannot cope with the challenge of extra bounce,” Cullinan opined, adding weight to the argument that Rohit’s prowess is limited to favorable conditions.
Leadership under the microscope
Cullinan also questioned the decision to restore Rohit as captain for the second Test in Adelaide after Jasprit Bumrah led India to a resounding 295-run victory in the first Test at Perth. “Why change the captain after such a dominant win? Rohit’s return didn’t bring any value to the team, especially given his lack of preparation before the game,” Cullinan concluded.
This criticism highlights the growing debate around Rohit’s role as a leader. While his experience and calm demeanor have been assets in the past, his recent performances have sparked discussions about whether India should consider alternative leadership options, particularly for the longest format.
As the series stands tied at 1-1, the spotlight remains firmly on Rohit heading into the third Test at the Gabba on December 14. Whether he continues to bat in the middle order or reclaims his opening slot, this could be a defining moment in his career. At nearly 38 years old, Rohit is at a crossroads. With questions surrounding his fitness, form, and leadership, the upcoming matches may determine his future in Test cricket. For Indian cricket, the challenge will be to balance Rohit’s wealth of experience with the pressing need for consistent performances in both batting and captaincy.
