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In the high-stakes world of international cricket, performance is paramount, and for Rohit Sharma, the current captain of the India Test team, the pressure has never been greater. As he grapples with a significant slump in form during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia, former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has made a striking assertion.
The dismal numbers of Rohit Sharma
Rohit’s recent performances have been far from inspiring. In his last ten Test innings, he has managed to accumulate just 118 runs, averaging a mere 11.8, with only one score above fifty. His struggles have been particularly evident in the current series against Australia, where he has scored just 19 runs across three innings, including a disheartening 10 in the first innings of the Test at Brisbane. This alarming trend has led to mounting criticism from fans and experts alike, questioning whether Rohit can still fulfill his role as captain and key batter.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Fans mercilessly troll Rohit Sharma for another failure with the bat in the Brisbane Test
Sunil Gavaskar’s bold prediction
Gavaskar’s comments have added fuel to the fire. He stated that while Rohit will definitely play in the upcoming matches, if runs continue to elude him, He himself will take a decision.
“I think Rohit obviously will get the opportunity to play in the next couple of matches, that’s for sure. But maybe at the end of it, if he hasn’t scored runs, my feeling is that he himself will take the call,” Gavaskar said on ABC Sport.
Gavaskar also elaborated regarding his future as captain. This sentiment reflects not only Rohit’s conscientious nature but also his deep commitment to Indian cricket. Gavaskar emphasized that Rohit does not want to be perceived as a burden on the team, which could lead him to make a tough decision for the greater good of Indian cricket.
“He’s a very conscientious cricketer, he will not want to be a burden on the team. He’s a cricketer who cares very deeply for Indian cricket. So if he doesn’t score runs in the next couple of games, I think he himself will step down,” he added.
A shift in Rohit’s batting order
Rohit’s one more eye-catching decision recently was his batting position. Traditionally an opener, he pushed himself down to No. 6 in an attempt to accommodate other players who are currently in better form. This strategic move has not paid off; instead of revitalizing his game, it seems to have exacerbated his struggles. Cheteshwar Pujara pointed out that this shift may have contributed to Rohit’s self-doubt, suggesting that batting out of one’s preferred position can significantly impact performance.
The role of captaincy in cricket is fraught with challenges. A captain must not only lead by example but also inspire confidence in their teammates. Rohit’s recent form has raised concerns about whether he can effectively fulfill these responsibilities. India, now face a crucial juncture in the series—currently tied at 1-1—the performance of their captain will be under intense scrutiny.
