NI Bureau
Rohit Sharma’s Struggles Persist as India Grapples with Pressure in Boxing Day Test
India’s captain Rohit Sharma’s lean patch with the bat continued in the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, adding to the team’s concerns against a dominant Australian side. Playing at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Rohit managed to score just 3 runs before being dismissed, leaving India on the back foot as they attempted to respond to Australia’s imposing first-innings total of 474.
Australia set the tone early in the match, with Steve Smith anchoring the innings with a composed 140. Despite Jasprit Bumrah’s commendable effort of 4 wickets for 99 runs, the Indian bowlers struggled to contain the Australian batting lineup. The visitors’ decision to bring in Washington Sundar in place of Shubman Gill aimed to bolster the bowling department, but the impact on Day 1 was limited.
The bowling performance drew criticism from former cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri, who also questioned some of Rohit Sharma’s on-field strategies. As captain, Rohit faced scrutiny for his inability to inspire sharper execution from his bowlers.
Also read: Amid Recent Struggles, Virat Kohli Eyes Sachin’s Virat Kohli in Melbourne Test
In a surprising decision, Rohit re-promoted himself to the opening slot, despite recent struggles with form. The move did not pay off, as he fell cheaply, bowled by Pat Cummins—marking the seventh time in 13 innings that Cummins has dismissed him. Rohit’s brief stay at the crease once again raised questions about his ability to counter Australia’s pace attack.
This latest failure added to an already difficult series for the Indian skipper. Having missed the first Test in Perth, Rohit scored just 19 runs in the two matches he played in Adelaide and Brisbane, where he batted lower in the order. Fans, too, voiced their disappointment, with one quipping online, “If Rohit is opening, it’s still a Jaiswal-Rahul opening combo, because Rohit won’t sustain 5 balls.”
A telling statistic from the series further underlines Rohit’s struggles: Jasprit Bumrah, with his consistent performances with the ball, has taken more wickets than Rohit has scored runs. This comparison has only amplified the pressure on the captain to contribute meaningfully with the bat.
India’s batting lineup now shoulders the responsibility of mounting a comeback in challenging conditions. With the top order failing to fire, the middle order will need to step up and deliver under pressure. The team’s decisions—both on and off the field—will be closely scrutinized as they seek to stay competitive in the series.
Prateeksha Thakur
