Related Articles
As India’s captain Rohit Sharma faces harsh criticism over his form in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, former cricketer Yograj Singh has come to his defense. Known for his outspoken nature, Yograj expressed his disappointment with how fans and media have treated the Indian captain during his rough patch, calling for unwavering support to help Rohit regain his form.
Table of content
Yograj Singh Criticizes Lack of Support
In an interview with News18, Yograj blamed the lack of support from fans and the media for exacerbating Rohit’s struggles.
“This is totally wrong. It is a big problem in our country that we celebrate players when they are winning, but abandon them when they are struggling,” Yograj said.
The Indian skipper has faced mounting criticism not only for his batting failures but also for his captaincy decisions, which some have deemed ineffective during critical moments in the series against Australia.
Drawing Parallels with Sunil Gavaskar
Yograj cited the example of Sunil Gavaskar’s slump in form in 1981 to highlight that every cricketer faces challenging periods.
“In 1981, Sunil Gavaskar wasn’t even able to touch the ball or score runs. But there was no panic in the dressing room. He worked hard and got out of that bad patch, becoming the same Sunil Gavaskar we know as a legend today,” he noted.
The former cricketer emphasized that the key to overcoming bad form lies in consistent support from teammates, fans, and the media.
“Tell me one player who hasn’t seen bad form? Today, Rohit needs the support of the people and the media, but instead, we’re throwing him down by criticizing him.”
Rohit Sharma’s Struggles in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Rohit’s return to the Indian squad after missing the first Test due to the birth of his second child has been far from ideal. He has struggled both as a batter and a leader:
- Batting Performance:
Rohit scored just 31 runs in three Tests at a dismal average of 6.20. He batted at different positions, including No. 6 and as an opener, but failed to deliver in any innings. - Captaincy:
While Jasprit Bumrah led India to victory in the first Test, Rohit’s decisions in the subsequent matches were criticized, leaving many questioning his ability to inspire the team during challenging situations.
Retirement Rumors Addressed
Amid speculation about his potential retirement, Rohit recently addressed the media, reaffirming his commitment to the team.
“I will fight this situation,” Rohit said, dismissing rumors of him stepping down from the longest format of the game.
Yograj’s Call to Action
Yograj Singh’s defense of Rohit Sharma is a reminder that even the best players need encouragement during tough times. His appeal to the public and media underscores the importance of faith and patience, especially with a player of Rohit’s caliber.
As the series progresses, fans will hope that India’s skipper can find his rhythm and silence his critics with performances befitting his reputation.
