New Delhi, Jan 1 (NationPress) Former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke asserts that Rohit Sharma has the authority to determine his future in the Test squad, emphasizing that captains generally receive a bit more flexibility. Rohit has accumulated only 31 runs across three Tests during the current tour of Australia, resulting in an average of 30.58 as captain of India, in contrast to his pre-captaincy average of 46.87 in the longer format.
“Those statistics are intriguing. It's noticeable that for some individuals, the role of captaincy is beneficial, while for others, it isn't. I genuinely believe he will participate in the Sydney Test. I doubt they will bench him. Rohit has rightfully earned this opportunity, and as captain, he likely enjoys greater leniency,” said Clarke.
“Admittedly, those figures aren't impressive. However, I believe they will permit Rohit to make his own decision regarding his future. I have no insight into whether Sydney will be his final Test. I’m uncertain about his thoughts or what India has planned for upcoming Test matches.”
“I’m unsure how Rohit feels about the captaincy, especially since he recently welcomed his second child. Therefore, it’s difficult to predict what might unfold. However, I would expect him to certainly play in Sydney,” Clarke commented during his appearance on ESPN’s Around The Wicket.
Former Australian batsman Callum Ferguson highlighted that India is set for a significant five-match tour of England in June-July this year. “A major challenge awaits in England. They will be facing a Test series there, which will be a significant test for someone like Rohit Sharma, who is currently facing issues with his form.”
Former white-ball captain of Australia, Aron Finch, noted that India has appeared significantly different since Rohit returned from the Adelaide Test after missing the series opener in Perth due to the arrival of his second child. “He will definitely play. What concerns me is how well they performed under Bumrah’s captaincy in Perth. The lineup seems unsettled since his return. Nevertheless, Rohit remains an exceptional player. He’s a joy to watch, and I hope he manages to score some runs,” he remarked.
Clarke expressed his belief that Rishabh Pant might feel significant regret over the mistimed pull shot he played off Travis Head during the second innings. Following Pant's dismissal, India collapsed and was all out for 155, losing the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne to Australia by 184 runs.
“I think his shot in the second innings is one he will likely regret profoundly. The context of the game was critical; they were forming a partnership and batting excellently. That shot really hindered Australia from winning the Test match. It’s instinctive; he simply reacted. He saw a short ball and attempted to hit it out of the park.”
“However, he probably should have aimed for a ground shot. But that's the nature of the game, and when you’re a prominent player expected to score Test match centuries, if you're dismissed in that manner, criticism is inevitable. Yet, there’s no doubt he’s a superb player. It’s about shot selection and timing,” he added.
Ferguson remarked that Pant's mistimed pull resulted from confusion caused by playing in a restrained mode, which is not his natural style. “That was the concern I observed. He was playing in a way that didn’t suit him, leading to hesitation in that pull shot off Travis Head.”
“This is the reality of four-day and five-day cricket. In Test cricket, there is immense pressure, and in those high-pressure moments, hesitation can arise. Do I proceed? Do I maintain my natural style? Or do I need to tone it down? That’s where he found himself struggling with confusion.”
Finch concluded by noting that the dimensions of the stadium also played a role in Melbourne, contributing to Pant being caught in the deep. “The MCG is larger compared to the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. The distance to the boundary is significantly greater at the MCG.”
