Rohit Sharma Criticized by Former BCCI Selector Prasad
Criticism of Rohit Sharma’s captaincy and form has brought the Indian cricket fraternity into a series of scorching debates. Former chief selector MSK Prasad has slammed Rohit’s leadership and batting performance in the open, especially for the ongoing tournament against Australia.
Remarks made by Prasad during commentating on the Boxing Day Test have brought to light very crucial aspects concerning Rohit’s captaincy and the entire morale and performance level of the Indian team.
A Captain’s Struggles Reflecting on Team Performance
MSK Prasad did not hold back when casting light on Rohit Sharma’s struggles as of late.
“Captaincy has a direct impact on the performance of the team. Unfortunately, Rohit hasn’t been proactive and is struggling. When Sam Konstas was blazing all guns, he continued with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj for 11 overs instead of turning to someone else.”
This critique sheds light on a key issue – Rohit’s inability to adapt and make timely decisions on the field, which, according to Prasad, has contributed to India’s lackluster showing.
The Batting Woes of a Veteran Opener
Rohit Sharma’s batting form has been anything but inspiring. A look at his recent performances paints a worrying picture:
| Series | Innings | Runs Scored | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Against Bangladesh | 4 | 42 | 10.5 |
| Against New Zealand | 3 | 91 | 30.3 |
| Border-Gavaskar Trophy (Ongoing) | 4 | 22 | 5.5 |
However, no respite for Rohit, who returned to the opening slot in the 4th Test against Australia. He managed just 3 runs before being dismissed. Prasad believes this lack of form is heavily influencing the team’s overall performance.
“If the captain comes with no form, it directly impacts the team. Rohit’s batting has been ordinary since the Test series against New Zealand, and he landed in Australia with no form under his belt,” Prasad remarked.
A String of Captaincy Failures
Under Rohit’s leadership, the team has been criticized for not being innovative and lacking proactivity. Many pivotal moments can be cited from Prasad, the former chief selector, regarding how Rohit has cost India dearly when it comes to decisions taken or not taken.
Key Issues in Captaincy:
- Bowling Rotations: Continuing with Bumrah and Siraj for 11 consecutive overs when Sam Konstas was in full flow.
- Field Placements: A lack of creative and aggressive field setups, allowing the Australian batters to pile on runs.
- Missed Opportunities: Failure to capitalize on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test when debutant Sam Konstas scored a match-defining half-century.
Prasad compared Rohit’s captaincy to that of his predecessors, citing Ajinkya Rahane’s century-led revival after the infamous 36-all-out in Adelaide and Virat Kohli’s leadership in securing historic series wins in Australia.
Team’s Decline Under Rohit’s Leadership
Since Rohit Sharma led India to a Twenty20 World Cup victory, the team’s fortunes have plummeted:
- For the first time in 28 years, Sri Lanka managed to defeat India in a bilateral series.
- A shocking 0-3 loss at home that has now turned out to be India’s first home series defeat in 12 years.
- Missing the first Test led by Bumrah, Rohit returned in the second game, only to see India struggle both with the bat and ball.
Prasad didn’t hold back, stating,
“Rohit Sharma is a baggage in this team. He disturbed the team selection after the Perth Test.”
The Path Forward
Rohit Sharma’s troubled form causes serious questions about the future he keeps as captain for India. Prasad, with a blunt articulation of sentence, impels the self-analysis and boldness:
Suggestions for Improvement:
- Restoring Batting Form: Rohit needs to address his technical and mental approach to regain confidence.
- Innovative Leadership: Experimenting with bowling combinations and field placements to surprise opponents.
- Team Morale: As a captain, Rohit must lead by example to uplift the team’s spirit and performance.
Impact on Team Dynamics
The ex-chief selector again had his share of worries regarding the body language of the team under Rohit’s captaincy. According to him, the on-field despondency and apathy definitely rhyme with the woes of the captain.
“He’s not proactive on many occasions. It’s clearly showing in the way he’s leading the side.”
The significant difference between Bumrah’s captaincy in the first Test and Rohit’s in other matches has only stoked the flames of controversy.
Conclusion
Rohit Sharma stands at a juncture where he will have to evaluate his captaincy and form. With a growing chorus of voices from former players such as MSK Prasad criticizing him, as well as a list of other below-par performances both at individual and team level, Rohit faces a near-impossible task to turn things around.
The BGT has proven to be the event for not just Rohit but the entire Indian cricket team. It will be interesting now to see if he proves his critics wrong and turns the tide in his favor.
One thing is clear though; Rohit Sharma’s journey as captain is under the scanner, with every match putting additional pressure on him.
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