Rohit Sharma’s Leadership Under Fire
Rohit Sharma was a great batsman and a calm leader. Now, he faces backlash for his poor performance as a player and captain. With cricketing stalwarts like Adam Gilchrist, Ravi Shastri, and MSK Prasad openly questioning his performance, Sharma’s position as Indian cricket’s figurehead has come under intense scrutiny.
These voices of concern are not without merit. All three have helped Sharma’s career at various stages. Gilchrist captained him during his early IPL days. Shastri coached him at his peak. Prasad oversaw the selection that led to some of his finest innings. Their critiques, rooted in firsthand experience, carry significant weight.
A Bittersweet Year for Rohit Sharma
The year 2024 has been a paradox for Sharma. On the one hand, he ended an 11-year drought as a captain by leading India to an ICC T20 World Cup title. On the other, his form and leadership in Test and ODI cricket have hit an alarming low.
India’s repeated failures in ICC tournaments, especially the 2023 World Cup, have held back its progress. Sharma is struggling to hold the team together. The T20 World Cup win was a bright spot. But, his poor performances since then have overshadowed it. They exposed cracks in his game and his leadership.
Is Rohit Sharma Causing More Harm Than Good?
Since the T20 World Cup triumph, Sharma’s numbers paint a bleak picture:
- Test Cricket: 312 runs in 14 innings at an average of 18.35. Outside Sri Lanka, he scored only 155 runs at an average of 11.07.
- Recent Form: 59 runs in his last eight Test innings at an abysmal average of 7.37.
These stats make him one of the worst Indian batters at No. 6 or above. Despite being promoted in the batting order, Sharma has struggled to make an impact.
Equally concerning is the manner of his dismissals. They are often reckless and poorly timed. This inconsistency with the bat mirrors his struggles as a leader.
Captaincy Under Scrutiny
As a captain, Sharma’s decisions have raised eyebrows on multiple occasions. His leadership has seemed reactive, not proactive. This includes field placements and when to change bowlers.
Key failures include:
- Historic Series Losses: India’s first ODI series loss to Sri Lanka in 27 years. They also suffered a humiliating 0-3 Test whitewash at home.
- Lack of Control: Sharma’s frustration shows he can’t inspire his team. He is a captain out of his depth.
Sharma’s calm leadership was once praised. Now, it is “slothful.” Fans and pundits are growing dissatisfied.
Calls for Retirement Grow Louder
Sharma’s poor batting and weak leadership have sparked calls for his retirement. Some say he should resign now. Others argue he could stay until the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, at the latest.
Former teammate Ravichandran Ashwin retired when his form fell. His decision may serve as a blueprint for Sharma. With 189 games with Ashwin (36 as captain), Sharma may need to consider a similar move to protect his legacy.
Rohit Sharma’s struggles, both as a player and leader, have reached a point where they can no longer be ignored. His poor form and failure to adapt to modern cricket suggest it may be time for Indian cricket to move on.
Whether Sharma retires or is forced to, one thing is clear: Indian cricket must not delay. It must address this urgent issue.
