Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja has expressed concerns about skipper Rohit Sharma’s fitness ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25) series against Australia. Ajay Jadeja says the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team has received a wake-up call ahead of the much-anticipated five-match Test series.
Rohit came into limelight after the team’s humiliating 0-3 performance against New Zealand in the recently concluded Test series at home. The Indian skipper also failed to make an impact during the series. He scored a total of 91 runs at an average of 15.17 in six innings, with his best score being 52.
We have to come back with a series win – Ajay Jadeja
Ajay Jadeja has backed Rohit Sharma to guide Team India to a series win against Australia after raising concerns about his health. Jadeja said India will do well in the upcoming series even if they fail to reach the final of the 2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC).
“You get a wake-up call like our team is doing right now. We won the World Cup this year, (you) are the top of the world, you are the best team and the best captain. Rohit Sharma, I feel for him. He suddenly becomes fat and doesn’t move well.”
“I think we will do well. We won’t be able to reach the final of the World Test Championship, but I think we should come back with consecutive wins. We are the better side,” Jadeja said during the Sportstar Sports Conclave.
India need to win the upcoming series against Australia 4-0 to secure a place in the World Test Championship final without relying on other results in the ongoing cycle.
India went there once in eight years – Ajay Jadeja
Ajay Jadeja also spoke about India’s dominance in Australia like no other team in history. The former batsman pointed out that India had not toured Australia regularly before but now the players are better prepared for the conditions with multiple tours.
“Our cricket has changed, earlier India used to go there once in eight years, so there were only one or two players who played there. Now you have a lot of tours, so they are well equipped. You will be dangerous when you have nothing to lose,” said the 53-year-old expert.
Rohit Sharma’s India To Take On Australia In Perth
Rohit Sharma has failed to live up to expectations in Test matches on Australian soil with no Test century to his name. The batsman scored 408 runs at an average of 31.38 in seven Tests, including three half-centuries. He scored just 129 runs in four innings in the last tour in Australia.
The first Test of the series will be played at the Perth Stadium on November 22. India announced their 18-member squad for the five-match series. Veteran pace bowler Mohammad Shami has not been included in the squad. It should be noted that Rohit’s participation in the first Test is uncertain due to personal reasons.
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