Michael Clarke Defends Rohit Sharma Amid Poor Form Criticism
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has backed Rohit Sharma amidst growing criticism over the Indian skipper’s poor run in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Clarke believes Rohit has earned the right to decide when to step away from Test cricket, even as pressure mounts due to his lackluster performances in Australia.
Rohit’s Struggles in the Series
Rohit Sharma has struggled with the bat in the ongoing series, averaging just 6.50 in the three Tests he has played. His longest stay at the crease was a 40-ball knock in the second innings of the Boxing Day Test. This barren run has raised questions about his place in the Indian Test side, even as fellow star batter Virat Kohli also faces criticism for his repeated dismissals to balls outside off-stump.
Despite these numbers, Clarke remains confident that Rohit will play in the upcoming fifth Test in Sydney. “I don’t think they’ll drop him. Rohit has earned the right, and he’s captain. When you are captain, you get a little more leeway,” Clarke told ESPN.
Clarke on Rohit’s Captaincy
Clarke acknowledged that captaincy affects players differently and hinted that the additional responsibilities might be weighing on Rohit. “I’m not sure how Rohit feels about the captaincy. He’s just had his second child, so who knows what’s going to happen there. But I imagine he will certainly play in Sydney,” Clarke added.
He also emphasized that while Rohit’s numbers don’t look good, India will likely allow him to step away from Test cricket on his own terms.
Aaron Finch’s Perspective
Former Australian captain Aaron Finch also shared his thoughts on Rohit’s struggles. Finch highlighted how India appeared more settled under Jasprit Bumrah’s captaincy in the first Test in Perth. He noted that the lineup has seemed unsettled since Rohit’s return as captain.
“The alarming thing for me is how well they played under Bumrah’s captaincy in Perth and how unsettled they look now. But Rohit is still a great player. He’s a beautiful player to watch, and I hope he gets some runs,” Finch said.
What Lies Ahead for Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma will likely feature in the crucial Sydney Test, despite his current form. With India looking to regain control in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, all eyes will be on the captain to deliver a significant knock.
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