Former Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s run of bad luck continues Border-Gavaskar Trophy on full display on Friday during the fourth and important Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Relegated to the No.6 position for the second and third Tests after poor performances, Rohit returned to his usual opening spot. However, his return to the top flight ended in another setback, raising concerns about his form.
Rohit Sharma’s batting struggles
In the previous matches, Rohit’s decision to bat at number 6 did not yield the desired results. In the three innings he played in this position, the Indian captain managed just 19 runs at an average of 6.33. Comparisons have been drawn with his performance at the same venue in the 2018–19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he scored a crucial unbeaten 63 off 114 balls at No.6 to help India post 443/7. This composed knock of five fours contributed significantly to India’s dominant 137-run victory. However, his inability to replicate such form in this series is evident.
Resuming his opening position, Rohit had an opportunity to redeem himself but his knock took just 14 balls. Australian captain Pat Cummins He once again overpowered the Indian skipper by dismissing him for just three runs. It marked the seventh time Rohit has claimed a wicket in Test cricket, highlighting Cummins’ struggles against the Aussie pacer.
Cummins has been a constant thorn in Rohit’s side in the longest format, dismissing him seven times in 199 deliveries, with Rohit averaging 18.1 against the Australian spearhead. Rohit’s dismissal has not only put pressure on India’s batting line-up, but also heightened scrutiny over his erratic form, especially after replacing KL Rahul at the opening spot.
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Rohit’s poor record against Pat Cummins
Rohit’s poor performances against Cummins in all formats have been the talk of the town. While he has been successful against the Australian bowler in limited-overs cricket, Tests have been a different story. Cummins’ ability to consistently exploit Rohit’s weaknesses, particularly with movement and pace, led to repeated dismissals, highlighting the Indian skipper’s vulnerability to high-quality fast bowling.
Rohit’s form or lack thereof could play a key role in India’s fortunes. His failure to score consistently has not only hurt India’s batting depth, but also put an extra burden on the middle order to compensate for early dismissals.
The road ahead for Rohit looks tough. With questions looming over his place in the top order and his ability to handle pressure situations, the Indian skipper must quickly find a way to overcome his struggles. As India struggle to stay competitive in this Test, focus will be firmly on their captain to lead by example.
The onus now falls on the rest of the Indian squad to fill the void left by Rohit’s failures. With Australia in the lead, India must rally as a unit to keep their hopes alive in this high-stakes encounter.
We present the video:
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma went for just three runs! #AUSWIN pic.twitter.com/m1fLiqKLO7
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 27, 2024
