NEW DELHI: Former Australian cricketer Mark Waugh has issued a blunt ultimatum to Indian captain Rohit Sharma, asserting that the second innings of the continuing Melbourne Test may decide the veteran’s future in Test cricket. Waugh’s feedback come amid Sharma’s prolonged batting droop and rising criticism of his management in the course of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
The Australian tour has additional uncovered his struggles, yielding a mere 21 runs throughout 4 innings. Initially batting at No. 6 to accommodate KL Rahul as an opener, Sharma later returned to his most popular opening function in Melbourne, however his fortunes failed to enhance.
Speaking to Fox Cricket, Waugh didn’t mince phrases, suggesting that Sharma’s second innings in Melbourne could be pivotal.
“If I was a selector now, it depends what happens in the second innings, but if he doesn’t make runs … I’d be saying, ‘Rohit, thank you for your service. You’ve been a great player, but we’re going to bring in Jasprit Bumrah as captain for the SCG,'” Waugh said.
“The signs are there that he’s past his best. It happens to all players. All great players come to an end at some stage,” he remarked.
While former Australian batsman Mike Hussey raised the opportunity of underlying psychological or bodily challenges affecting Sharma’s type, Waugh dismissed the necessity for additional evaluation, pointing as an alternative to the numbers.
“The numbers don’t lie. Even his movement in the field and his tactical decisions have been off the pace,” Waugh stated, additional noting a decline in Sharma’s total influence on the sport.
Waugh acknowledged Sharma’s contributions to Indian cricket however burdened that previous achievements mustn’t protect him from accountability.
“I think they’ve given him leniency already because he’s been a great player for India, but at some stage, that leniency has to stop. It stops after this Test match unless he makes runs in the second innings,” Waugh concluded.
As the strain mounts, Sharma’s upcoming innings in Melbourne could possibly be the defining second of his profession. With his place in the aspect and captaincy on the road, the highlight is firmly on the Indian skipper.
