Indian skipper Rohit Sharma is facing heavy criticism after India’s defeat in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali didn’t hold back, accusing Rohit of shaking the team’s confidence by choosing to return as an opener despite his recent poor form.
Disruption in the Batting Line-Up
Rohit, who missed the first Test due to personal reasons, chose to bat lower down the order in the second and third Tests to accommodate KL Rahul. Rahul, having excelled in Perth, took over the opener’s slot, leaving Rohit to contribute from No. 6. However, after a string of underwhelming performances, the Indian skipper reclaimed his opening position, which disrupted the team’s batting order.
The reshuffle saw KL Rahul, one of India’s most consistent batters on the tour, moved to No. 3. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill was dropped, further unsettling the lineup. Rohit’s gamble, however, failed to pay off. His scores of 3 and 9 in Melbourne left his average in the series plummeting to a dismal 6.20, the worst ever for a touring Indian captain in Australia.
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Basit Ali’s Blunt Take
Commenting on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali didn’t hold back. “Did India get overconfident after winning the first Test?” he questioned. “Rohit is not in form, and the one who was scoring runs, KL Rahul, you put him under pressure as well. Aapne team ka confidence bilkul shatter kar diya (you shattered the confidence of the team).”
Ali’s critique extended beyond tactical decisions. He suggested that Rohit’s declining form and physical fitness were signs that he should step down as captain. “I think the time has come for Rohit to step down; Jasprit Bumrah should be made captain for the last Test. You have served India a lot, but your body is not supporting you now,” he added.
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