In the aftermath of India‘s disappointing 184-run defeat to Australia in the Melbourne Test, captain Rohit Sharma has found himself at the center of a storm of criticism. His comments during the post-match press conference, particularly regarding the performance of younger players, have sparked outrage among fans and cricket analysts alike. As India trail 1-2 in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, the pressure is mounting on Rohit to lead both on and off the field.
The weight of leadership on Rohit Sharma
Rohit’s remarks in the press conference after the MCG Test, suggesting that the young players “will learn as they keep playing,” have been interpreted by many as an attempt to deflect responsibility from himself and his senior teammates.
“We got plenty of chances to win or even draw the game. But there are many guys who scored runs, but could have played a big innings. The guys are new and they will learn as they keep playing,” Rohit stated, emphasizing that new players need to convert their starts into significant scores
This statement has not only frustrated fans but has also drawn sharp criticism from former players who believe that Rohit should take accountability for the team’s failures.
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The fallout from Melbourne
The loss at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was not just another defeat; it marked a significant setback for India, who were aiming for a historic hat-trick of Test series victories on Australian soil. After bowling Australia out in their second innings, India had a golden opportunity to chase down a target of 340 runs. However, they crumbled under pressure, losing their last seven wickets for just 34 runs. Rohit admitted that his team failed to capitalize on favourable conditions, calling it “mentally disturbing” and expressing disappointment over their inability to fight back.
Criticism from all corners
The backlash against Rohit has been swift and severe. Former cricketer Irfan Pathan pointed out that Rohit’s current form is underwhelming, suggesting that had he not been captain, he might not even be in the playing XI.
“If we talk about reality, considering how he is struggling with the bat, there might not have been a place for him in the playing XI. But because he is the captain, and you want to win the next match to draw the series, he stays in the team,” Pathan said on a Star Sports’ post match show.
Fans took to social media to voice their discontent, with many accusing him of “throwing youngsters under the bus” instead of taking responsibility for his own batting failures and leadership decisions. This sentiment was echoed by cricket pundits who argue that as captain, Rohit should shoulder more blame rather than shifting it onto less experienced players.
Rishabh Pant’s struggles with form and temperament
Rohit also addressed Rishabh Pant‘s performance, particularly criticizing his rash shot selection during crucial moments. Pant’s dismissal in both innings raised eyebrows, leading Rohit to state that Pant must understand what is required of him in high-pressure situations. While acknowledging Pant’s potential, Rohit emphasized that it is essential for him to adapt his game according to the match context.
“It [Pant’s dismissal] just happened, there hasn’t been any discussion about today. Obviously we’ve lost the game, everybody is disappointed about how things panned out … But again, look, Rishabh Pant obviously he needs to understand what is required from himself. More than any one of us telling him, it’s about him understanding and figuring out what’s the right way to go about it. In the past, he has given us lot of success doing what he does. As a captain, there’s a kind of mixed reaction to that,” Indian skipper concluded.
With this, India will now prepare for the final Test in Sydney on January 3, the focus will be on how Rohit can rally his team and address these criticisms head-on. With Australia aiming to seal their spot in the World Test Championship final with a victory, India must regroup and find a way to level the series. The upcoming match will not only test Rohit’s leadership but also determine whether he can inspire confidence in his young squad amid mounting pressure.
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