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Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has put all the blame on Rohit Sharma for India’s crushing 184-run defeat in the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne with a stunning yet logical statement.
Rohit Sharma made the decision to return to his familiar opening position in the fourth Test against Australia after struggling to find form at number six in the second and third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
Basit Ali slams Rohit Sharma’s poor decisions after Australia wins MCG Test
However, the change didn’t bring the results he hoped for. Instead, it disrupted India’s batting lineup and affected their confidence, according to Basit Ali, and it eventually led to their defeat at the MCG.
Read Also: “Take harsh decisions”: Rohit Sharma told to drop himself and Virat Kohli for Sydney Test
Rohit was dismissed for just 3 and 9 runs by Pat Cummins in both innings of the recent Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. The Indian skipper has so far amassed a disappointing 31 from five innings, averaging only 6.20 in the ongoing BGT 2024-25.
This is the lowest average for any visiting captain in Australia. If he fails to perform in the upcoming fifth and final Test against Australia scheduled to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from January 3, 2025, it could set a new low, even worse than former West Indies captain Courtney Walsh’s average of 7.75.
Basit Ali blames Rohit Sharma for India’s 184-run defeat in Boxing Day Test
Meanwhile, Basit Ali questioned whether India became overconfident after winning the first Test in Perth. The former Pakistani cricketer also slammed Rohit Sharma, saying his decision to open shattered Team India’s confidence in the fourth Test against Australia at the MCG.
The former Pakistan selector also highlighted how KL Rahul, who had been performing well, was put under the pressure of moving him down the order, leading to his poor scores of 24 and 0 at number three during India’s 184-run defeat in the Boxing Day Test against Australia in Melbourne.
Basit Ali said on his YouTube channel: “Did India get overconfident after winning the first Test (in Perth)? Ek faisla – ke nahi, mai open karunga. Rohit is not in form, and the one who was scoring runs, (KL) Rahul, you put him under pressure as well. Aapne team ka confidence bilkul shatter kar diya (You shattered the confidence of the team).”
He further noted that Shubman Gill, who was dropped for Washington Sundar, should have played in the Boxing Day Test, even if he scored a zero in both innings against Australia. Basit added, “But just because of Rohit’s position, you disturbed the lineup of the entire team.”
Basit Ali wants Jasprit Bumrah to replace Rohit Sharma as India’s Test captain
Meanwhile, the pressure is mounting on Rohit Sharma, and the former Pakistan cricketer believes that it’s time for a change in leadership. In a bold statement, Basit Ali suggested that Rohit should step down as captain, with Jasprit Bumrah stepping up to lead India in the final Test.
Basit noted, “I think the time has come for Rohit to step down; (Jasprit) Bumrah should be made captain for the last Test. You have served India a lot, but your body is not supporting you now.”
He was also disappointed with Gautam Gambhir’s leadership, as Basit signed off by saying, “Mera khayal hai Dravid ki yaad aayegi (I think former coach Rahul Dravid will be missed).”
