Rohit Sharma’s future as captain of the Indian cricket team is under intense scrutiny as the ongoing Test series against Australia progresses.
Following a series of disappointing performances, speculation is rife about whether he will step down from his leadership role before the upcoming Sydney Test or wait until the end of the series to make a decision.
Recent Performance and Pressure
Rohit Sharma has struggled significantly with the bat, managing only 152 runs in his last 13 innings, which includes just one half-century and an average of 11.83.
His recent form has drawn criticism, particularly after a lackluster showing in the home Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, where he was pushed down the batting order to accommodate in-form players like KL Rahul.
This situation has led to questions about his ability to lead the team effectively moving forward.
Sunil Gavaskar’s Prediction
Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has weighed in on Rohit’s predicament, suggesting that if he continues to perform poorly in the remaining matches—specifically the Melbourne and Sydney Tests—he may choose to resign as captain himself.
Gavaskar emphasized that Rohit is a conscientious player who deeply cares about Indian cricket and would not want to be seen as a burden on the team.
He stated, “If he doesn’t score runs in the next couple of games, I think he himself will step down.”
The Make-or-Break Tests
With only two Tests left in the series, analysts believe these matches are crucial for Rohit’s career.
Former England spinner Monty Panesar remarked that Rohit has “four innings to save his Test career,” indicating that his performance in these games will determine not just his captaincy but potentially his future in international cricket as well.
There is speculation that Rohit might return to his traditional opening position in an attempt to regain form and confidence.
Future Considerations
The pressure is mounting on Rohit not only from fans and critics but also from within the team dynamics, as emerging players like Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill are being considered for leadership roles in the future.
If India fails to qualify for the World Test Championship final, it could further complicate Rohit’s position as captain heading into a challenging tour of England scheduled for mid-2025.
