BCCI To Take Decision Over Rohit Sharma and Gambhir`s Position
Role Of Rohit Sharma
Should I be a selector at this moment, my decision would hinge on the performance in the second innings. If he fails to score runs, I would express my gratitude to Rohit for his contributions, acknowledging his status as a remarkable player, but I would advocate for Jasprit Bumrah to take over as captain for the SCG. This statement was made by Mark Waugh prior to the second innings of the Boxing Day Test
Few cricket analysts have been as candid regarding the Indian captain as the former Australian cricketer. Rohit has been experiencing a prolonged period of poor form in red-ball cricket, which may have impacted his typically creative and sharp captaincy. During the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, he has accumulated only 31 runs across five innings. This follows a disappointing performance of 91 runs in six innings during the previous home series against New Zealand and a mere 42 runs in the home series against Bangladesh. Overall, he has totaled just 164 runs in 15 innings, averaging below 11.
Typically, a player with such underwhelming statistics would have faced exclusion from the Indian team by now. For example, Shubman Gill has scored 60 runs in three innings, achieving double Rohit’s average, yet remains on the bench. Nevertheless, Waugh’s comments may ultimately reflect a desire rather than a likely outcome, as Rohit appears poised to remain in the squad. Notably, Rohit’s contribution in the second innings at the MCG was a modest nine runs.
Rohit’s situation represents the proverbial elephant in the room. It is not that the authorities are unaware of the prevailing circumstances, but they seem reluctant to disrupt the team dynamics during a crucial away series. Despite reports indicating that Ajit Agarkar has engaged in discussions with the Indian captain, it is believed that any significant conversations will occur only after the series concludes. Unless Rohit makes the unexpected choice to step down voluntarily from the SCG lineup, he is anticipated to lead the team in the fifth and final Test, which is set to commence shortly.
Rohit is cognizant of his declining performance with the bat and has addressed the matter directly. Following the defeat at the MCG, he remarked, “I am where I am today. There is no point in dwelling on past events. Clearly, some outcomes have not favored us, which is disappointing from a captain’s perspective.”
He continued, “As a batsman, I am attempting various strategies that are not yielding the desired results. Mentally, this is undoubtedly troubling. When one arrives at this level, the expectation is to perform successfully. The failure to achieve that is a significant letdown.”
Those in leadership roles remain hopeful that Rohit, given his caliber as a batsman, will soon regain his form. They reference Steve Smith, who faced challenges in the initial two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series but rebounded with consecutive centuries in the following matches. Additionally, Virat Kohli’s recent struggles are also mentioned; he has accumulated only 359 runs over his last 23 innings, averaging below 24—statistics that do not align with his esteemed reputation. The prevailing argument is that if Kohli is granted extended opportunities, then Rohit should be afforded the same consideration.
Read More: Rohit Sharma To Retire After SCG Test?
Role of Gautam Gambhir
Throughout the series, questions have been raised about Gautam Gambhir’s role. A notable spinner, who is renowned for his ability to win matches, has declared his retirement from international cricket, and India has suffered an odd home loss to New Zealand since his appointment—a rare occurrence in international cricket. A number of controversial selections have been made by the team during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. At the MCG, for instance, the management chose to start three all-rounders instead of Shubman Gill in the starting lineup.
There are significant inquiries about the extent of the coach’s accountability in these matters. Prior to the MCG Test, R Ashwin unexpectedly departed from the dressing room and returned home, announcing his retirement midway through the series. What part did Gambhir play in this mid-series decision?
It has been asserted that Gambhir was not involved in Ashwin’s retirement, and reports indicate that the two maintained a strong mutual respect. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that Gambhir may be required to formally address this issue in the New Year. Furthermore, there are allegations that Gambhir does not participate in selection discussions with the selectors, a practice that his predecessor, Rahul Dravid, regularly engaged in during his time. This raises the question of whether Gambhir has any influence over team selections or if he is excluded from those discussions.
Concerns have been voiced on social media suggesting a disconnect between Rohit and Gambhir regarding various decisions, particularly in selection. While social media commentary may not always lead to serious discourse, the underlying issues are significant and are likely to be deliberated privately within the BCCI, especially following the election of a new secretary, similar to discussions that took place before the team’s departure for Australia in November.
