Indian cricket team's captain Rohit Sharma's form and fitness have become major concerns during the ongoing IND vs AUS Border-Gavaskar Trophy. After missing the Perth Test, Rohit returned for 2nd Test in Adelaide but batted at number six instead of his regular opening spot. The move did not work, as Rohit's struggles with the bat continued. His performance slump has also raised questions about his captaincy.
Former South African cricketer Daryl Cullinan added fuel to the debate by criticizing Rohit's fitness in an interview with InsideSport. Cullinan remarked:
"Look at Rohit, then at Virat. Notice the difference in their physical condition. Rohit is overweight and not a long-term cricketer anymore. He is not in the right physical condition to play in a four or five-match Test series."
Rohit Sharma's declining performance
Rohit's batting in Tests has been far from his usual standards. In his last 12 Test innings, he has failed to reach double digits in 8 of them. His struggles were evident in the recent home series against New Zealand, where he managed just one half-century across three matches. These performances have seen him drop out of ICC Test batsman rankings' top 30 for the first time in six years.
Uncertain future as an Opener in Tests
In Rohit's absence, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul opened the innings in 1st Test in Perth, with Jasprit Bumrah stepping in as captain. Upon his return in Adelaide, Rohit relinquished his opening spot to KL Rahul but failed to make an impact batting at number six. As India heads into IND vs AUS 3rd Test in Brisbane, it remains uncertain whether Rohit will reclaim his opening role or continue in the middle order.
The ongoing IND vs AUS five-Test series is currently leveled at 1-1 and the spotlight is firmly on Rohit to rediscover his form and lead the team to victory at the Gabba. The upcoming third Test in Brisbane could be a defining moment for his captaincy and Test career.