Gavaskar suggests that Sharma might need to step down as captain
Rohit Sharma - the captain of the Indian cricket team - has reportedly taken up his concerns with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding comments made by cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar.
The issue arose after Gavaskar criticized Sharma's poor form during the recent Test series against Australia, questioning his future as both a batsman and as captain.
Sharma, who has been struggling with his form in recent months, scored only 31 runs in three Test matches against Australia. His decision to drop himself from the final Test match in Sydney only added to the mounting pressure.
Gavaskar, in his column for Sydney Morning Herald, suggested that Sharma might need to step down as captain if his performances did not improve, a comment that did not sit well with the Indian captain.
According to sources close to Rohit, the skipper felt that Gavaskar’s remarks were not only overly critical but also unnecessary. Feeling that such external pressures might undermine his confidence, Sharma reportedly lodged a complaint with the BCCI, expressing his discomfort with the nature of the criticism.
Rohit Sharma, along with his teammates Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer, will miss Mumbai’s must-win Ranji Trophy match against Meghalaya as they prepare for the upcoming ODI series against England. The decision to skip domestic duties underscores the significance of the upcoming series, where India will be looking to regain their form following a tough Test season.
Despite Sharma's struggles, Shreyas Iyer has been in remarkable form in the Ranji Trophy, amassing 480 runs at an average of 68.57. His consistent performances have made him a key figure in both the domestic and international set-ups.
The growing criticism of Rohit Sharma’s form and leadership has sparked a broader debate about the pressures faced by Indian cricketers. While Gavaskar’s harsh words were aimed at Sharma’s Test form, it also raised questions about his ability to continue leading the team.