Criticism Sparks During Live Session
Renowned Indian sports journalist Vikrant Gupta has openly called for Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma to announce his retirement following a series of disappointing performances against Australia. Gupta made these remarks during a live session on Sports Tak while discussing India’s performance on the second day of the Boxing Day Test.
Gupta: It’s Time for Rohit Sharma to Resign as Captain
Vikrant Gupta criticized Sharma’s recent form, stating that it was time for the Indian skipper to retire.”It would be unexpected if Rohit Sharma doesn’t announce his retirement,” Gupta said. Highlighting Sharma’s lack of form, he pointed out that such performances affect the respect a captain holds in the dressing room.
Poor Form Raises Concerns
During the ongoing series against Australia, Rohit Sharma has managed to score only 22 runs across five innings, with scores of 3, 6, 10, and 3. These underwhelming performances have raised questions about his leadership and ability to contribute significantly to the team as an opener.
The Captaincy Debate in Indian Cricket
Gupta elaborated on the natural progression of captaincy in Indian cricket, saying, “No one remains captain forever in cricket.” He also mentioned that Indian cricket has always seen a system where captains come and go, making way for new leadership. Gupta emphasized that social media now plays a crucial role in influencing public and team opinions on such matters.
Dressing Room Dynamics
Gupta further commented on how a captain’s inability to perform impacts team morale. “When a captain is not scoring runs, the respect for him in the dressing room starts to decline,” he noted, suggesting that Sharma’s continued struggles could lead to challenges within the team dynamics.
Comparison with Other Players
The journalist remarked that Indian cricket has lacked players willing to step aside on their own terms. He stated, “If Rohit Sharma had any intention of retiring, he wouldn’t have been opening the innings.” Gupta’s remarks point to a larger conversation about accountability and self-awareness among senior players in the team.
What’s Next for Indian Cricket?
The journalist concluded by suggesting that Indian cricket must prepare for a leadership transition. A new captain will emerge; that’s always been the way in Indian cricket,” Gupta remarked. The debate around Sharma’s retirement has now fueled discussions about potential successors and the future direction of Indian cricket.
Conclusion
As Rohit Sharma’s struggles continue, the calls for his retirement are growing louder. Whether or not Sharma steps down, the Indian cricket team faces significant pressure to improve its performances against strong opponents like Australia. The next steps in Sharma’s career will be crucial not just for him but for the team as they navigate this challenging phase.
