IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma Can Likely Be Dropped From 5th Test

Advertisement

IND vs AUS: Indian cricket’s brightest star, Rohit Sharma, is under the scanner after a string of dismal performances in the ongoing Test tour of Australia. At 37, his future in Test cricket is far from certain and murmurs about his possible ouster as captain are gaining strength. When criticism from several directions increased while his form saw a downslide, came a question across people’s lips – Whether he was compelled out or handed his resignation willingly himself.

Advertisement

Rohit Disappointing Form In IND vs AUS BGT Series

Rohit Sharma’s performances in the ongoing Test series against Australia have been nothing less than disappointing. He could muster only 31 runs from five innings. Batting-wise, he is not doing any justice to himself and has received sharp criticism on that front. Normally, Rohit has played with an attitude and aggression in the game; however, Australian conditions, where extra bounce and seam movement occur frequently, are making him falter.

It’s not a new problem, however. For much of his Test career, Rohit’s consistency has been a matter of debate. Indeed, he may have had successes in the short formats, but his Test cricket has been always marred by flashes of glory more often than consistent greatness. The burden has been very high during this tour, though, and a failure to contribute runs has brought immense pressure to bear on a leader.

The Captaincy Dilemma: Forced Out or Dropped?

Rohit’s stint as the Indian Test team captain also has been severely criticized. His leadership has failed to inspire the team in some of the difficult conditions, such as in Australia, where he led India to several crucial series wins. However, reports state that if Rohit is dropped from the playing XI in the Sydney Test, it is because of his poor form rather than a self-imposed decision to retire or step down.

There is growing speculation that fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah may replace Rohit as the new Test captain. Bumrah has been one of India’s standout performers, and his leadership skills have been praised by many. Under his guidance, India won their first Test in Australia in the current series, which has only added to the calls for a change in leadership.

A Precedent for Dropping Players Due to Form Rohit’s potential removal from the captaincy or the playing XI would not be unprecedented in Indian cricket history. Legends such as Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Anil Kumble retired in the middle of a series due to physical limitations. Both players faced struggles with their fitness, which ultimately led to their decision to walk away from Test cricket. However, Rohit’s case is different in that he is being pushed out on account of his non-performance and not because of injury or old age.

Former cricketer Gautam Gambhir has been outspoken in his criticism, emphasizing that performance is the only metric that determines a player’s place in the Indian dressing room. His remarks suggest that if Rohit does not improve his form soon, his place in the team could be in jeopardy.

Discontent Within the Team and Leadership Challenges

Adding to the pressure on Rohit is the reported discontent within the team. The decision of senior bowler Ravichandran Ashwin to announce his retirement in the middle of the series has only fueled rumors of unrest in the Indian camp. Such internal friction, combined with Rohit’s declining performances, has created an environment where his leadership is being questioned.

Rohit’s poor form has coincided with what many are calling his worst phase as a captain and batsman. While the team’s performance on the field has also been subpar, it is his inability to make a significant impact as a batsman or leader that has led to doubts about his future.

It looks likely that the tour to Australia in 2023 will prove to be a series finale for him and probably his last Test as well, either on his own initiative or at the hands of selectors because of lack of form.

Sydney Test: Turning Point? With the Indian team getting ready to play the last Test in Sydney, speculations abound. If Rohit is not seen at the toss on Friday, it would strongly suggest that this could be his last Test match. The Indian team is trailing in the series, and a win in Sydney is crucial for both morale and securing a spot in the World Test Championship final.

Australia is looking forward to winning and thereby securing a spot in the final against South Africa.

Rohit’s possible no-show in the Sydney Test, whether he is willing or unwilling, would mark the end of an era in Indian Test cricket. The baton of captaincy will most likely pass on to Jasprit Bumrah, which also reflects the change in dynamics within the team.

The Road Ahead for Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma is a player of great highs and disappointing lows during his career, which has exceeded over a decade. He would be remembered in Indian cricket not only for his leadership but his batting skills in years to come but if this Test career ends in Sydney, it could be a rather sobering end for a talent that was not quite fully developed in the long game.

Ultimately, whether he steps down voluntarily or is dropped due to his form, the time of Rohit Sharma in Indian Test cricket seems to be coming to an end. Now, the Indian team needs to look ahead to the future and towards a possible successor in the leadership role, as evidenced by Jasprit Bumrah, who will start a new era in Indian cricket.

ALSO READ: Champions Trophy 2025: Incomplete Renovations At Karachi Stadium

Advertisement