BGT 2024-25: Kapil Dev Shows Support for Rohit Sharma Following Adelaide Loss

New Delhi, Dec 9 (NationPress) After India faced a ten-wicket loss to Australia in the Adelaide Test, the legendary captain of India's 1983 World Cup-winning team, Kapil Dev, came forward to back the beleaguered captain Rohit Sharma, referencing his success in securing the T20 World Cup 2024.

The pink-ball Test at Adelaide Oval concluded in merely three days, with Australia achieving a commanding victory that leveled the series at 1-1. Rohit Sharma's participation in this match was his return to the playing XI after missing the opening Test in Perth due to the birth of his second child; however, his comeback was anything but successful.

Batting at an unusual number six position to make space for K.L. Rahul at the top, Rohit managed to score only three and six runs, prompting fans and critics to question his role and effectiveness. His choice to alter his batting order only intensified scrutiny, as he contributed a mere nine runs across both innings.

Rohit's recent performances in Test cricket have been disappointing. Since India's home series against Bangladesh in September, he has recorded just one half-century and has accumulated eight single-digit scores over 12 matches.

Moreover, his leadership has faced criticism after overseeing India's first home series defeat in over a decade, resulting in a 0-3 loss against New Zealand, prior to the ongoing series against Australia.

Adelaide marked Rohit’s fourth consecutive Test defeat as captain, placing him alongside renowned players like MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Sachin Tendulkar, all of whom experienced similar losing streaks during their respective captaincy periods.

Despite the growing criticism, Kapil Dev remains unwavering in his support for Rohit Sharma. Speaking to the press on Monday, Kapil emphasized Rohit's past accomplishments, particularly his leadership in guiding India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

"I believe he (Rohit Sharma) doesn’t need to prove anything. He has been performing at a high level for many years. So, let’s not cast doubt on him. I have faith in him. I hope he rediscovers his form, which is crucial. It’s premature to question someone’s captaincy based on one or two performances, especially someone who has achieved so much. Six months ago, when he led India to the T20 World Cup, you wouldn’t have asked me this question. Let’s see how it unfolds. If he continues to struggle, he won’t be there. But I trust in his talent and ability to make a comeback," stated Kapil Dev on Monday.

The contrasting performances of India in Perth and Adelaide have ignited discussions regarding leadership and strategy. In the first Test, interim captain Jasprit Bumrah led India to an impressive 295-run victory, taking eight wickets across both innings. His aggressive field placements and adept management of bowlers received commendations.

However, in Adelaide, the Indian team seemed to lack enthusiasm and purpose under Rohit’s captaincy. Bumrah, who bowled 11 overs on Day 1, was curiously underutilized on Day 2, delivering only four overs in the first session. This tactical misstep allowed Australia’s Travis Head to launch a counterattack, ultimately shifting the game’s momentum.

Addressing the ongoing criticism, Kapil Dev remarked, "It's too early to make judgments. One performance does not define a player’s worth. Just as one bad performance shouldn’t lead to conclusions about his place. A seasoned player will experience ups and downs throughout their career. It’s important to assess how one navigates through difficult times, not just during the good ones.

Drawing parallels with Virat Kohli’s challenges, Kapil emphasized the need for resilience. "We shouldn’t judge during good times. We discuss these matters when a player is experiencing highs or lows, like Virat Kohli, one of the finest cricketers in our nation. If you consider the top four batsmen, he will certainly be among them. If he is facing challenges, it’s up to him to determine how quickly he can bounce back and return to form," concluded Kapil Dev.

With the series currently tied at 1-1, India is set to face a pivotal third Test in Brisbane, commencing on December 14.