With no half-centuries in his last 10 innings, the Indian captain faces mounting pressure as the marquee ICC event looms.
February 8, 2025: As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, Indian captain Rohit Sharma finds himself under scrutiny for his prolonged dip in form. The skipper, once a dominant force at the crease, has failed to reach a half-century in his last 10 innings across formats, registering scores of 2, 3, 9, 10, 3, 6, 18, 11, 0, and 8. His poor performance, coupled with reports of dressing room tensions, has raised doubts about his leadership and India’s prospects in the tournament.
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Kapil Dev’s Candid Assessment
Legendary cricketer and 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev did not shy away from addressing the challenges faced by the team. Speaking on the Cricket Adda YouTube channel, Kapil expressed concern over Rohit’s slump and its ripple effect on the squad.
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“He is a big player. I hope he returns to form quickly. The whole country is looking forward to the team’s performance. But right now, the team looks unsettled. When the captain’s form is poor, it impacts the team,” said Kapil.
Reflecting on the immense scrutiny top players face, he cautioned against excessive adulation or harsh criticism. “When the team wins, the celebrations are unmatched. But when they lose, criticism follows. My advice is not to over-praise players to the point they feel invincible, nor to criticise them below the belt,” he added.
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Bumrah’s Fitness Woes Add to Worries
Adding to the team’s challenges is uncertainty around ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness. Sidelined since January due to a back injury, Bumrah’s availability for the Champions Trophy remains in question. Kapil acknowledged Bumrah’s importance, stating, “In the last two years, no other fast bowler has had such an impact. His absence does affect the team. I hope he recovers soon.”
A Defining Test for Rohit and India
India is set to open their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on February 20. The pressure on Rohit to regain his form and lead the team effectively has never been higher. With fans and cricketing greats alike keeping a close watch, the tournament will likely define Rohit’s legacy as captain.
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