Kapil Dev Backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Amid Criticism

New Delhi, India – December 9: Amid mounting criticism of Indian cricket stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, former World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev has stepped forward to defend the duo, emphasizing their proven capabilities and urging patience from fans and critics alike.

Rohit Sharma: Under Fire as Captain and Batsman

Rohit Sharma has faced scrutiny over his captaincy decisions and a lean patch with the bat, particularly in Test cricket. After leading India to a celebrated T20 World Cup victory just six months ago, Rohit now finds himself at the center of debates questioning his place in the team.

Criticism of his leadership escalated following India’s decision to bat under gloomy skies in the opening Test against New Zealand, where they were dismissed for their lowest home total of 46. Similar backlash arose after his decision to bat first in the Adelaide Test against Australia, where intermittent rain was a factor.

India’s 10-wicket loss in Adelaide marked their fourth consecutive Test defeat under Rohit’s captaincy, prompting questions about his ability to lead in the longest format. Despite this, Kapil Dev believes Rohit’s track record speaks for itself.

“I think he doesn’t have to prove himself. He has done it for many years. Let’s not doubt somebody based on one or two performances. He will bounce back, knowing his talent and ability,” Kapil said during a media interaction.

Rohit’s recent Test performances have been far from his usual flamboyant style. In India’s 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand earlier this year, Rohit managed only 91 runs across three matches at an average of 15.17. Against Bangladesh, he fared even worse, scoring just 42 runs in two Tests at an average of 10.50.

Virat Kohli: The Struggle of a Cricketing Icon

Kapil Dev also weighed in on Virat Kohli’s form, describing him as one of India’s finest cricketers but acknowledging the struggles he faces.

“If you put the top four batsmen in Indian cricket history, Virat will be there. But if he’s going through a rough time, it’s up to him to bounce back. He has done it before and can do it again,” Kapil stated.

In 2024, Kohli has scored 373 runs in Test cricket, averaging 26.64 with just one century and a half-century. While he broke his century drought with a stellar unbeaten 100 in the Perth Test, his form faltered in Adelaide, where he managed scores of 7 and 11.

Across all formats in 2024, Kohli has scored 611 runs in 21 matches at an average of 22.62, a far cry from his dominant best. Despite this, glimpses of his brilliance, including a match-saving 76 in the T20 World Cup final and a vital 70 against New Zealand, show his potential to return to form.

The Road Ahead: Brisbane Showdown

With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy tied at 1-1, the action now shifts to Brisbane, a fortress for Australia, where India will need their top players to rise to the occasion. Both Rohit and Virat will play pivotal roles in India’s quest to secure the series and strengthen their position in the World Test Championship standings.

As Kapil Dev emphasized, patience and confidence in the team’s leadership and experience will be key as India aims to overcome recent setbacks and reclaim their winning momentum.