NEW DELHI: Rohit Sharma’s poor form in Australia has been a major concern for the Indian cricket team.
The Indian captain has struggled to score runs, managing only 22 runs in four innings, with scores of 3, 6, 10, and 3. This slump has sparked debates about his place in the team and whether it’s time for him to step away from Test cricket.
Former batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has been critical of Rohit’s form, suggesting that if he fails to score in the upcoming innings, serious discussions about his Test career will be unavoidable.
Even former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has criticized Rohit’s batting, calling his shot selection “lazy”.
Rohit’s struggles have also impacted his captaincy, with many questioning his decision-making on the field.
His decision to promote himself up the batting order in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG hasn’t paid off, and he was dismissed cheaply.
The Indian team management faces critical decisions, and it remains to be seen how they’ll address Rohit’s poor form.
Key Statistics:
– Rohit’s Recent Scores: 6, 5, 23, 8, 2, 52, 0, 8, 18, 11, 3, 6, 10, and 3 over his last 14 innings
– Average: 11.07 over his last 14 innings
– Runs Scored in the Series: 22 runs in four innings
The Indian captain’s average in 2024 is 25.41, while aggregating 610 in 14 Tests (25 innings). It included two hundreds and two fifties and is his poorest in a calendar year since 2016.
Rohit’s average in the current series so far of 5.50, while scoring 22 runs in three Tests (four innings) at a strike rate of 31.42, is his poorest in a series (minimum two innings).
Rohit’s average in the 2024-25 season of 11.07, in eight Tests with 155 runs in 14 innings, which included a fifty, is the second lowest by an Indian among the top six.
Rohit’s poor form against Australia is a pressing concern, and addressing it requires a multi-faceted approach.
Rohit clearly needs to reassess his batting position and focus on regaining his form. Considering KL Rahul’s impressive performance as an opener, Rohit might need to make way for him.
Rohit’s shot selection has also been questionable, particularly his pull shots, which have deserted him. He needs to work on his technique, focusing on playing more responsibly and avoiding reckless shots.
Rohit’s captaincy has also been under scrutiny, with some critics labeling it as “pathetic”. He needs to lead by example, making tactical decisions that inspire confidence in his team.
The pressure to perform is mounting, and Rohit needs to develop strategies to manage stress and stay focused. He must work on his mental preparation, visualizing success and building a positive mindset.
Rohit just needs to take a step back, reassess his game, and make necessary adjustments to regain his form and confidence.
