Kapil Dev Warns Rohit Sharma Ahead of Champions Trophy Amid Form Concerns
Rohit Sharma’s Form Worries India Before Champions Trophy
With the Champions Trophy just days away, Team India faces a major concern—Rohit Sharma’s poor form. The Indian skipper has faced challenges for months. This raises doubts about his ability to lead in this crucial tournament.
Kapil Dev, the former Indian captain, has given a clear warning. He stressed that a captain’s form affects the team’s performance. His remarks come at a critical time as India prepares for its title campaign in Dubai.
Rohit Sharma’s Ongoing Struggles with the Bat
Cricket fans have missed the classic ‘Hitman Show’ lately. Rohit Sharma’s form has dropped a lot. In his last 10 international innings, his top score is 18. His last half-century was in October 2024.
His struggles showed in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and went on in the Ranji Trophy. He couldn’t regain his momentum there. Before the Champions Trophy, India played England in their last ODI series. Rohit struggled again, scoring only 2 runs in the first ODI.
Kapil Dev’s Blunt Assessment on Rohit Sharma
Kapil Dev has urged Rohit to find his form fast. There are only two ODIs left before the Champions Trophy. The captain of the 1983 World Cup team said it’s vital for India’s leader to get into form before the big event.
“He is a big player. I hope he returns to form quickly. I will say good luck to the coach. It takes time to settle in. The whole country is looking forward to the side’s performance. In the recent times, the side played well for some time. The team looks unsettled. When the captain’s form is poor, the team has problems.” Kapil Dev said.
Kapil pointed out the pressure from fans. He remembered the joy of India’s T20 World Cup win, but now those same fans feel frustrated.
“The team has not done well, it’s justified that the fans are angry. When these players came back after winning the T20 World Cup, the crazy scenes, I have never seen in my life. So, when they do bad, criticism follows. That’s what I say, don’t praise the players so much, that they can’t handle. And then criticise them below the belt. This is my thought.” he added.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Injury Adds to India’s Concerns
Kapil Dev noted that Bumrah’s impact is irreplaceable. Losing a bowler like him could really hurt India’s campaign.
“There is no doubt about that. In the last two years, no other fast bowler has had so much impact. When a big player like Bumrah, Anil Kumble, gets unfit, it does impact the team. I hope he recovers soon enough.” he said.
India’s Champions Trophy Campaign Begins Soon
The Champions Trophy is back after seven years. India will kick off their campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh. All eyes will be on February 23. That’s when India takes on arch-rival Pakistan in Dubai. This match is one of the most anticipated in the tournament.
As the countdown ticks down, Rohit Sharma’s form and Bumrah’s fitness are the top subjects. Can India overcome these hurdles and make a strong statement in the Champions Trophy?
