Legendary South African cricketer Herschelle Gibbs has responded to former teammate Daryll Cullinan’s comments about Indian skipper Rohit Sharma being “overweight.” Herschelle Gibbs said that fitness is crucial for all players, and it’s up to the individual how much they wish to contribute to the team.
The 37-year-old registered only one fifty since the early 2024 home series against England. He has failed to reach double figures eight times in his last 13 innings. In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the right-handed batter has scored just 19 runs in three innings at an average of 6.33, with a best score of 10.
Rohit Sharma is Overweight and Not a Long-Term Cricketer Anymore – Daryll Cullinan
Earlier, Daryll Cullinan called Rohit Sharma “overweight” and a “flat track bully,” citing his recent poor form. Cullinan pointed out that Rohit is not in optimal shape for a long Test series. He questioned Sharma’s ability to perform in a four- or five-match Test series due to his current fitness.
“Look at Rohit, then at Virat. Notice the difference in their physical condition. Rohit is overweight, and not a long-term cricketer anymore. Rohit is not in a good physical condition to play in a four or a five-match Test series,” Cullinan told InsideSport.
I Think It’s Up to the Individual – Herschelle Gibbs
When asked about Daryll Cullinan’s comments on Rohit Sharma during an interaction with InsideSport, Herschelle Gibbs emphasized that fitness is a personal choice for each player. Gibbs avoided naming any players but pointed out that unfit players are visible to the public.
“I think it’s up to the individual.I was only a batter. Rohit doesn’t bowl. It’s up to the individual for me with regards to how much they want to contribute, not only in their own specific skill. If you’re a bowler or a batter, your duty is still to be fit and to try and make a contribution in the field,” Gibbs said.
“I don’t need to mention any names. You can see everything on TV. Those guys that are unfit and carrying a little bit extra, I mean the whole world is there to see. I don’t need to mention any names. The mindset should be, especially with a lot of T20 cricket and obviously with the Champions Trophy coming up, how much you want to contribute and make a difference for your team,” he added.
Rohit Sharma Hit on His Knee During Practice Session in Melbourne
The fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 will begin on Boxing Day (December 26) in Melbourne. Rohit Sharma suffered a knee injury while training at the Melbourne Cricket Ground ahead of the match. He was seen with an ice pack on his knee during the practice session on Saturday.
Rohit missed the first Test for personal reasons. The batter averages just 26.39 in 24 innings this year, with only 607 runs, including two centuries and two fifties. The series is currently tied at 1-1 after three Tests.
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