A toppled lighthouse poses greater risks than a reef: Sidhu comments on Rohit's omission
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New Delhi, Jan 3 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has openly criticized the decision made by the Indian team management to leave out skipper Rohit Sharma from the crucial fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy held at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
Rohit decided to take a break for the match, leading to pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah taking over the captaincy for the Sydney Test. Bumrah had previously led India to victory in the initial Test in Perth.
Sidhu contends that a captain should never be dismissed mid-series or given the choice to step aside, as it conveys negative messages. He referenced past captains like Mark Taylor and Mohammad Azharuddin, who were maintained in their roles despite facing challenges, advocating that Rohit deserved the same level of support.
A Captain should never be dropped midstream nor given the option to opt out … sends wrong signals …. Have seen Captains like Mark Taylor, Azharuddin etc. persisted as captain for a year despite bad form …. @ImRo45 deserved more respect and faith from the management … Bizarre as it occurred for the first time in Indian cricket history …. Blunder - for a fallen lighthouse is more dangerous than a reef!
Rohit has faced intense scrutiny following a series of losses while in command. India’s performance has notably declined, with the team suffering defeats in five of its last six Tests under his leadership. The most significant low was a 3-0 home series defeat to New Zealand last year, which concluded a 12-year unbeaten streak on Indian soil.
However, despite these challenges, many—including Sidhu—believe that sidelining Rohit during a downturn communicates an incorrect message to the cricketing world.
Additionally, India’s changed batting lineup struggled against Australia’s pace attack on the opening day, managing only 185 runs in their first innings.
Australia concluded Day 1 at 9/1, with Bumrah offering a flicker of hope for India by dismissing Usman Khawaja for just 2 runs.
