Former Australia captain Michael Clarke believes Rohit Sharma deserves autonomy regarding his future in Test cricket, particularly given his role as captain. Rohit’s recent struggles, reflected in a mere 31 runs across three Tests in the ongoing Australia tour and a captaincy average of 30.58 (compared to his pre-captaincy average of 46.87), have fueled discussion about his place in the team. Clarke, however, suggests that Sharma’s captaincy affords him more leeway. He predicts Sharma will play in the Sydney Test, believing the team won’t drop their captain and that Sharma himself will decide when to step down. Clarke acknowledges the poor numbers but anticipates a self-determined exit. Uncertainty remains, however, regarding Sharma’s feelings about the captaincy and his future plans, especially given the recent birth of his second child.
Former Australian batsman Callum Ferguson highlights the upcoming five-match Test series in England as a significant challenge for the out-of-form Rohit. This series presents a crucial test of Rohit’s capabilities and form. Meanwhile, Australia’s former white-ball captain, Aaron Finch, noted India’s improved performance under Jasprit Bumrah’s temporary captaincy in Perth, contrasting it with the team’s seeming instability since Rohit’s return. Finch, however, maintains confidence in Rohit’s abilities as a player.
Clarke also addressed Rishabh Pant’s controversial mistimed pull shot in the Melbourne Test, suggesting it was a moment of regrettable muscle memory. He acknowledged the pressure on Pant as a key player but emphasized that such mistakes are a natural part of the game. Ferguson, expanding on this point, attributed Pant’s error to a deviation from his natural, aggressive playing style, suggesting a hesitation born from the immense pressure of Test cricket. He highlighted the internal conflict players face in such high-pressure situations, questioning whether to adhere to their natural game or adopt a more restrained approach.
Finch concluded his comments by noting the impact of the Melbourne Cricket Ground’s larger dimensions compared to the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, which contributed to Pant’s dismissal. The larger outfield meant a shot that might have cleared the boundary in Delhi fell short in Melbourne.