December 13, 2024: Kapil Dev, the legendary 1983 World Cup-winning captain, has thrown his full support behind Rohit Sharma amid the ongoing criticism of the Indian captain’s poor Test form. Kapil shared his thoughts on the challenges all cricketers face and emphasized that Rohit’s talent is undeniable.
Kapil acknowledged that every cricketer experiences both highs and lows in their career. “Everyone faces bad and good times. On one day, Rohit was also performing like the big player he is. He has so much talent and ability. All it takes is one big performance and he will be back,” Kapil stated in support of Rohit, who has been under intense scrutiny for his form, particularly in the ongoing 2024-25 Test season.
Rohit has struggled in the Test format, having scored just 142 runs in six Tests across 12 innings at an average of 11.83, with a best score of 52. This year, his overall record in Tests stands at 597 runs in 12 Tests and 23 innings, averaging 27.13 with two centuries and two fifties. These statistics have raised concerns, especially following the recent home series loss to New Zealand and a humiliating 0-3 whitewash against them, along with a disappointing pink-ball Test defeat to Australia at Adelaide.
In addition to Rohit’s form, his captaincy has come under the microscope as well. However, Kapil emphasized that such rough patches are part of a cricketer’s journey, and a single good performance could change everything.
Kapil also shared his thoughts on India’s approach for the upcoming third Test against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which is set to begin on December 14 at the Brisbane Cricket Ground. After India’s crushing 295-run defeat to Australia in the second Test at Perth, where standout performances from Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, and Yashasvi Jaiswal couldn’t save India, Kapil advised the team to focus on enjoying the game. “At the moment, I will just say, go enjoy yourself. Express yourself, play well,” he urged.
With the five-match series now level at 1-1, the upcoming encounter at The Gabba is seen as crucial. The venue holds special significance for India, who handed Australia their first Test loss at the ground in over 32 years during the 2020-21 tour. Additionally, West Indies had also recently defeated Australia at Brisbane, which could add extra pressure on the hosts.
Kapil’s words come as a reminder that, in cricket, confidence and momentum can shift quickly, and the next big performance from Rohit could see him back at his best.
