Former Indian batter Sunil Gavaskar feels Rohit Sharma might leave Indian test captaincy, if his disappointing form continues in the longest format. Gavaskar’s comments came after the conclusion of the third BGT 2024-25 test between India and Australia in Gabba on Wednesday.
Rohit has been in horrendous form this year in test cricket. After an impressive series at home earlier this year against England, he hasn’t able to convert his starts into a big knock. He returned with 42 runs in four innings in the Bangladesh series, which saw India securing a 2-0 whitewash victory.
‘Hitman’ suffered a major roadblock against the New Zealand bowling unit. He could score only 91 runs in six innings, as the Black Caps went on to secure a 3-0 clean sweep. The ongoing BGT 2024-25 series has seen Rohit coming to bat in the middle-order and score only 19 runs in three innings.
In regards to Rohit’s form, Gavaskar thinks the right-hander will focus on the team’s well-being and might well leave the captaincy if his rough patch continues for a longer duration.
“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,” Sunil Gavaskar said on ABC Sport on Tuesday.
“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.
Notably, Jasprit Bumrah acted as the stand-in captain for the visitors in the Perth test in the absence of Rohit Sharma. The game saw India registering a dominating 295-run victory, as the bowling unit fired on all cylinders. However, India went on to lose the Adelaide test by 10 wickets and drew the Gabba test under Rohit.
Rohit Sharma wants to spend more time on the crease
The Indian test skipper Rohit Sharma accepted his disappointing form but remains confident of his foot movement and preparation. However, he intends to spend more time on the crease to regain the form of his older-self.
“I have not batted well. There’s no harm in accepting that. But I know what’s in my mind, how I’m preparing myself. All those boxes are very much ticked. It’s just about spending as much time as possible, which I’m pretty sure I’m just there,” Rohit said in the post-match press conference after the drawn Test at the Gabba.
“As long as my mind, my body, my feet are moving well, I’m pretty happy with how things are panning out for me. Sometimes those numbers can tell you that it’s been a while since he’s got big runs,” he added.
Rohit Sharma and Co. will be back on the field on December 26 in the fourth BGT 2024-25 test against Australia in MCG.
FAQs
What is the track record of Rohit Sharma in tests Down Under?
427 runs in 9 innings
How many test centuries has Rohit Sharma scored?
12
