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There is a strong sentiment growing among cricket fans and pundits alike that Rohit Sharma, keeping in mind his current form, should leaveTest cricket. Rohit, once considered one of India’s most reliable and explosive batter in limited-overs cricket, has struggled to replicate that form in the longer format. His recent numbers — 22 runs from four inning — are undeniably poor and indicative of a significant struggle.
Rohit’s inconsistent form in Test cricket has been a bone of contention for a while, and with his spot at the top of the order under scrutiny, it’s understandable why many are questioning his place in the team, particularly as a captain. The issue of batting position is another major point of concern. Despite being a natural opener in ODIs, Rohit has been tried at different positions in Tests — sometimes opening, other times in the middle order. This lack of consistency regarding where he bats has been one of the key criticisms, especially comparing him to other players who have been able to nail down a fixed role.
The fact that Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has outscored him in recent innings is particularly troubling. While Lyon is undoubtedly a world-class spinner with a knack for chipping in with the bat, the contrast between him and a top-order batter like Rohit is striking and speaks volumes about Rohit’s current struggles.
When a captain is struggling with form, it inevitably impacts the team’s morale and performance, especially in a format like Test cricket where stability and experience are paramount. As a leader, Rohit should ideally be setting the tone for the team — whether through runs, leadership, or resilience. His lack of form and batting inconsistency might erode confidence both within the squad and among the supporters. He can also lose his say in the dressing room.
However, it’s also important to acknowledge that Rohit has shown flashes of brilliance in Test cricket — his double century in the West Indies and some solid innings on home soil are reminders of his potential. But right now, his form seems to be at a low, and in Test cricket, consistency is key. In this format, players need to earn their spot through performances, especially when there are younger players waiting in the wings who are eager to take on bigger roles.
While calling for his exit from Test cricket may seem drastic, the current state of affairs does raise a valid question about his future in the longest format. It’s not just about the runs he is scoring but also about whether he can rediscover the form and consistency that earned him a place in the team in the first place. As captain, it’s important that he leads by example, and right now, his performances don’t seem to be up to the level required for both the team and his own reputation.
That said, a player like Rohit, who has been a mainstay in the Indian team for years, deserves the opportunity to work through his form issues. But if the slump continues and if he can’t contribute significantly, it may be time for India to seriously consider alternative options for the opening slot and leadership in the Test format.
It’s true that form is fleeting in cricket, and while Rohit’s current struggles are undeniable, the question remains: Does he have the resilience and the ability to turn things around, or is it time for a change in leadership and batting roles? It’s a question that will likely continue to be asked as the series progresses.
There is possibility of Rohit escaping an exit from Test cricket as a knee-jerk reaction because of lack of options in naminh a new Test captain. Candidates like Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant aren’t bad options but are the selectors ready to make the transition? To fix the Indian Test team for the next World Test Championship cycle, it’s the obligation of the selectors to fulfill. Or who knows? Rohit may just call it a day like R Ashwin right after the Australian series.
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