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Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan backed captain Rohit Sharma after the Men in Blue lost a second Test match against New Zealand, played at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. This was India's first Test series lost in 12 years. The former opener believes it’s unreasonable to question Rohit after just one series loss, particularly given that he led India to victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup just six months prior.
"The pressure you all talk about isn't something we feel. While there is pressure in the game, we don't dwell on losses or wins; that's part of the game," Dhawan told IndiaToday.in. "I feel that's neither a fair nor a practical approach toward anything," he added, defending his captain and close friend.
Rohit's leadership faced scrutiny during the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, where he acknowledged a major miscalculation regarding the pitch conditions. India experienced a historic collapse after he opted to bat first, ending up with their lowest-ever total (46) at home and losing to New Zealand for the first time in 36 years. The situation became even more contentious when Rohit’s cautious approach on Day 1 in Pune drew criticism from notable figures in the cricketing community, including Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, and Simon Doull.
In Pune during the second Test, Rohit’s decision to start with spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Washington Sundar seemed logical given the pitch’s spin-friendly nature. However, the defensive field settings allowed New Zealand’s batsmen to take advantage. This echoed India's difficulties in Bengaluru, where New Zealand's fast bowlers capitalized on the rain-affected conditions, claiming 17 of the 20 Indian wickets and winning by eight wickets. The slow-turning pitch in Pune, which was meant to benefit India, favoured New Zealand as Mitchell Santner led the spin attack with a ten-wicket haul across both innings, helping secure a series victory for the visitors.
Following India's first home series loss since 2012, Rohit Sharma finds himself in an unwanted group with Kapil Dev as the only Indian captain in 41 years to lose three home Tests in a single year. The similarities to Dev’s 1983 challenges against the West Indies have intensified the criticism. However, Dhawan emphasizes the importance of Rohit’s leadership style, highlighting the strong connection he builds with the team as a valuable asset.
"As a cricketer, we don't think that way. And Rohit is a great leader; it's not just about winning and losing. There's a bond, the team's connection with its leader, and how much they look up to him," Dhawan added.
Team India will now face New Zealand for the second Test match which will be played at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai from November 1 to 5.
