The Indian cricket team’s tour of Australia has been unpredictable. A dominant performance in Perth under Jasprit Bumrah’s captaincy was followed by a lacklustre display in Adelaide after Rohit Sharma’s return as captain.
As India grapples with this defeat, cricket experts and former players have voiced their opinions on Rohit’s leadership, form, and fitness.
Here’s a closer look at what they had to say:
‘Rohit’s fitness raises questions’
Daryll Cullinan, the former South African batter, raised concerns over Rohit Sharma’s physical preparedness for not being in the physical condition required for the hard grind of Test cricket,” Cullinan remarked. “When you compare him to players like Virat Kohli, who is in exceptional shape, the contrast is stark. Rohit’s best performances often come at home, and I wonder if sticking with a similar team for the second Test backfired on India.” His comments highlight a growing debate about fitness levels in modern cricket and their impact on long-term performance.
‘Runs are key to better captaincy’
Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh offered a solution to Rohit’s struggles, linking his batting form to his leadership. “When a captain scores runs, his confidence soars, and he makes better decisions on the field,” Harbhajan explained. “Rohit is a big player, but even the best worry about their performance. Let’s hope he can get some runs under his belt because that will not only help his batting but also make his captaincy more effective.”
‘Selection needs tough decisions’
Australian great Ian Chappell believes strong selection policies are crucial when dealing with ageing players like Rohit. “You know when you’re past your peak, but players often want to play as long as they can,” Chappell said. “That’s why selectors need to make the hard calls. Rohit has every right to want to continue, but India’s selectors must ensure they prioritise the team’s long-term goals over sentimentality.” His words underline the fine balance between respecting a player’s legacy and making bold decisions.
‘Bumrah’s strategies outclassed Rohit’s’
Former Australian cricketer Simon Katich drew comparisons between the tactics of Jasprit Bumrah and Rohit Sharma. “In Perth, Bumrah used his bowlers brilliantly, attacking the stumps and bowling fuller lengths late on Day 1. That was missing in Adelaide,” Katich noted. “The bowlers were shorter and wider, allowing Australia to recover. As captain, Rohit needs to be more proactive in such situations. Being at first slip, he had the perfect view of what was going wrong, yet adjustments weren’t made.”
‘Form affects leadership’
Cheteshwar Pujara, India’s rock in their 2018-19 triumph in Australia, sympathised with Rohit’s struggles, linking his form to his leadership. “When a captain is out of form, it impacts his decisions,” Pujara observed. “Rohit needs to focus on building a steady start—scoring 20 or 30 runs before taking risks. Once he does that, he’ll feel more in control and proactive as a leader.” His comments emphasise the mental challenges that come with dual responsibilities in Test cricket.
‘He will bounce back’
Kapil Dev, India’s World Cup-winning captain, urged patience with Rohit Sharma, offering words of encouragement. “Rohit doesn’t need to prove himself—he’s done it for years,” Kapil said. “One or two performances don’t define a player or a captain. Just six months ago, he won India the T20 World Cup. Let’s trust his talent and ability to bounce back. They’ll return stronger.” Kapil’s faith in Rohit reflects the respect he commands as a leader and batsman.
‘Opening suits him better’
Former India coach Ravi Shastri advocated for Rohit’s return to the top of the order, where he has enjoyed tremendous success. “That’s where he can be aggressive and expressive,” Shastri explained. “In Adelaide, he looked subdued, and it reflected in his body language. A move back to opening might bring out his natural flair and confidence, which will benefit both his batting and his captaincy.” Shastri’s suggestion also signals a potential shift in strategy for the remainder of the series.
‘Rohit’s confidence seems shaken’
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar didn’t hold back in his assessment of Rohit’s struggles.
“His body language shows a lack of confidence,” Manjrekar said. “Test cricket requires solid defence, and Rohit’s current approach isn’t working. His preparation before the match was inadequate, which has only added to his struggles.” Manjrekar’s remarks bring attention to the importance of mental and physical readiness in the longest format.
‘He looks underdone’
Renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle expressed surprise at seeing Rohit out of his usual rhythm in Adelaide. “I’ve never seen Rohit struggle this much; he’s such an easy batter on the eye,” Bhogle said. “He looks underdone, which is uncharacteristic for a player of his calibre.” Bhogle’s observation captures the sentiment of fans who are unaccustomed to seeing Rohit out of sync on the field.
Rohit Sharma’s struggles in Adelaide have sparked a lively debate about form, fitness, and leadership. While some believe it’s time for tough calls, others back Rohit to find his rhythm. As the series progresses, all eyes will remain on India’s captain to see how he responds to these challenges.