Captain Rohit Sharma is under pressure regarding his form before the third Test match to be held from December 14 on the fast pitch of Gabba. In the Adelaide Test, Rohit played innings of only three and six runs. He has scored only 46 runs in six innings of the last three Tests, with his highest score being 18 runs. It is very important for Rohit to return to form to make a comeback in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy which is tied at 1-1. The problem is that Rohit did not take his regular place of opening in Adelaide. Veterans Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri even said that Rohit needs that much to open in the Gabba Test. Rohit is not only under pressure regarding his form but his performance in captaincy has also been very disappointing. He has lost the last four test matches under his captaincy. Rohit scored his last century in Test in March 2024. That too against England in Dharamsala. Since then he has played 12 innings and has only one half-century to his name. Rohit’s last 12 test innings are as follows – 6, 3, 11, 18, 8, 0, 52, 2, 8, 23, 5, 6 runs.
The 0-3 defeat in the home series against New Zealand has badly affected Rohit’s form. Here he scored 91 runs in six innings of three Tests. He played an innings of 52 runs in the Bangalore Test, but after that he could not cross the score of 20. He did not play in the Perth Test due to paternity leave. In such a situation, Yashasvi and Rahul got a chance to open. Both performed well in Perth, after which Rohit and the team management decided not to tamper with the opening pair in Adelaide. Yashasvi and Rahul also did not fare well with the pink ball in Adelaide. Whereas, Rohit failed in the middle order. In such a situation, will Rohit open in the Gabba Test or will field in the middle order. This will be something to see.
Rahul should play at number five or six: Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri, playing the role of commentator, have said that Rohit needs as much opening in the Gabba Test, so that he can express himself openly by playing aggressively. Both the former cricketers said, Rohit seems to be in a bad mood. Shastri said, this is why he wants to see him opening. His body language shows that he is tense. Gavaskar said, we all know why Rahul opened in the Perth Test, because Rohit was not available to play there. Now that Rohit has joined the team, he should play at his regular place. He has not even scored runs in the middle order in Adelaide, so he should handle the opening. Rahul should be sent to bat at number five or six. Gavaskar says that if Rohit scores fast in Gabba, he can also score a century there.
I believe Rohit will make a comeback: Kapil
Veteran Kapil Dev has defended Rohit Sharma before the Gaba Test. Kapil says that Rohit’s ability to make a comeback should not be doubted. Also told him, there is no need for Rohit to prove at this stage of his career. He has been doing well for a long time. In such a situation, I will not doubt him in any way. I hope he gets back into form and that’s the most important thing. Kapil says that with one or two performances, how can you doubt anyone’s captaincy. Only six months ago, when he won the T-20 World Cup for the country, was I asked this question about Rohit? Looking at his ability and talent, I am confident that he will make a comeback.
The record is not good in army countries
Rohit’s record in military countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) is not good. In such a situation, his return to form on the fast pitch of Gabba will be challenging. Rohit has scored a total of 12 Test centuries. Of these, he has scored one century against England at the Oval in 2021. His average in 46 Test innings played at all orders in these countries is also less than 30. At the same time, his average as an opener in these countries is 37.8. He also scored a century as an opener against England. However, the former NCA coach believes that Rohit should be fielded only in the middle order at Gabba, because his footwork has reduced in recent times with age. With his current footwork, he may face trouble opening at the Gabba. Former selector Debang Gandhi also justifies the decision to field Rohit in the middle order in Adelaide.