NEW DELHI: Former Australian cricketer Mark Waugh has issued a blunt ultimatum to Indian captain Rohit Sharma, asserting that the second innings of the ongoing Melbourne Test could determine the veteran’s future in Test cricket. Waugh’s comments come amid Sharma’s extended batting slump and growing criticism of his leadership during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
The Australian tour has further exposed his struggles, yielding a mere 21 runs across four innings. Initially batting at No. 6 to accommodate KL Rahul as an opener, Sharma later returned to his preferred opening role in Melbourne, but his fortunes failed to improve.
Speaking to Fox Cricket, Waugh did not mince words, suggesting that Sharma’s second innings in Melbourne would be pivotal.
“If I was a selector now, it depends what happens in the second innings, but if he doesn’t make runs … I’d be saying, ‘Rohit, thank you for your service. You’ve been a great player, but we’re going to bring in Jasprit Bumrah as captain for the SCG,'” Waugh stated.
“The signs are there that he’s past his best. It happens to all players. All great players come to an end at some stage,” he remarked.
While former Australian batter Mike Hussey raised the possibility of underlying mental or physical challenges affecting Sharma’s form, Waugh dismissed the need for further analysis, pointing instead to the numbers.
“The numbers don’t lie. Even his movement in the field and his tactical decisions have been off the pace,” Waugh said, further noting a decline in Sharma’s overall impact on the game.
Waugh acknowledged Sharma’s contributions to Indian cricket but stressed that past achievements should not shield him from accountability.
“I think they’ve given him leniency already because he’s been a great player for India, but at some stage, that leniency has to stop. It stops after this Test match unless he makes runs in the second innings,” Waugh concluded.
As the pressure mounts, Sharma’s upcoming innings in Melbourne could be the defining moment of his career. With his place in the side and captaincy on the line, the spotlight is firmly on the Indian skipper.
