NEW DELHI: India’s cricketing legend Kapil Dev came out in support of Rohit Sharma after the Indian captain faced criticism following the team’s defeat to Australia in the second Test in Adelaide.
Speaking at the launch event of the Vishwa Samudra Open on Monday afternoon, Kapil, also president of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), addressed the concerns surrounding Rohit’s captaincy and recent performances.
Rohit Sharma press conference after loss in Adelaide Test vs Australia
While urging patience, he acknowledged the challenges of leading a team and insisted that it is unfair to question a captain based on one or two poor performances.
“I think he doesn’t have to prove himself. He has done it for many, many years, Rohit. So let’s not doubt somebody. I won’t doubt him, and I hope his form will come back. That’s more important. With one performance or two performances, you start doubting somebody’s captaincy, someone who has done so well,” Kapil stated.
The captain of the 1983 World Cup-winning team emphasised that Rohit’s talent and ability should not be dismissed lightly. “I think six months back, when he won the T20 World Cup, you wouldn’t have asked me this question. So that’s what I want to say. Let it go. Let’s see. If he keeps on not performing well, he won’t be there. But knowing his ability and talent, he will bounce back,” he asserted.
The second Test loss saw Australia equalise the series with a dominant 10-wicket victory.
Rohit, returning to the team after missing the first Test due to the birth of his second child, struggled with the bat, managing scores of just 3 and 6.
Rohit Sharma’s struggle continues
His decision to bat at number six, allowing KL Rahul to open, drew criticism from former players like Ravi Shastri and Aakash Chopra.
Kapil Dev, 65, also dismissed questions about team selection decisions, particularly the choice of Harshit Rana over Akash Deep, adding, “I am nobody (to judge). How can I judge the people who are sitting there and carrying the responsibility? If you are asking me, you are trying to spoil the system. We should not talk about it. We should just focus on whether he is playing well or not. That’s all we can see. How can I judge why they picked him? I’m not in that position, and my former colleagues are the ones sitting there. I trust they will do a good job.”
Despite the criticism, Kapil Dev’s comments reflect the faith he holds in the current Team India skipper’s resilience. The Rohit-led side prepares for the third Test at The Gabba, scheduled to start on December 14.
