India suffered a heavy defeat against Australia in the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide. Losing by 10 wickets, the team found itself under scrutiny, particularly its captain Rohit Sharma.
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Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra openly criticized Rohit’s leadership, calling it overly defensive. Chopra's remarks highlighted the challenges facing the Indian skipper as the series moves forward.
This loss marked Rohit’s fourth consecutive Test defeat, placing him alongside other Indian captains who have endured similar streaks. The Indian team’s struggles in the Adelaide Test reflected deeper issues in both strategy and execution.
What did Aakash Chopra say about Rohit Sharma's captaincy?
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra pointed out that Rohit Sharma's decisions during the Adelaide Test allowed Australia to dominate. Chopra criticized Rohit for removing Jasprit Bumrah from the attack after a short but effective spell.
According to Chopra, this decision enabled Australia to post a strong first-innings total of 337 runs.
"Jasprit Bumrah had bowled a four-over spell and had already picked up a wicket in that. So why did he bowl only four overs and didn't bowl after that at all? Rohit's captaincy was defensive. He allowed the match to drift."
He added that such decisions reflect a passive approach, which cost India the chance to capitalize on key moments during the game.
"He wasn't the captain in the Perth match. So that win doesn't count for him. If we leave the last century, it's Dhoni, Kohli and Rohit, and the biggest concerning thing, which might not be with anyone else, is three consecutive losses at home. The captaincy has been a little lackluster," Chopra added.
How did Australia dominate the pink-ball Test in Adelaide?
Australia secured the win in just over two days. Their bowlers, led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, dismantled India’s batting line-up, dismissing them for 175 in the second innings.
Travis Head’s brilliant century ensured Australia had a commanding first-innings lead. Chasing a mere 19 runs, the hosts reached the target without losing a wicket.
Rohit’s leadership has come under fire due to the team’s recent performances. His streak of four consecutive Test losses includes three at home, a rarity in Indian cricket.
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Comparisons with former captains like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli have also been drawn, as both endured similar losing streaks during challenging phases.
What’s next for India?
The third Test will take place at the Gabba in Brisbane, where India will look to bounce back and regain control of the series. Rohit Sharma’s captaincy will remain in the spotlight as the team looks to address its shortcomings and rediscover its form.
