Team India's torrid performance in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy has sparked speculation about potential changes within the team including captain. Rohit Sharma hasn't been best of his form which has also impacted his captaincy. After missing the series opener in Perth, he has scored just 31 runs across five innings. If India fail to make it to the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 final, which seems likely looking at the precarious position they are placed in the standings, a change in captaincy could be on the cards.
Amidst these concerns, a report in the Indian Express revealed that a senior player within the team claiming to be 'Mr Fix It' wants to become India's interim captain. This player reportedly expresses doubts about the capabilities of younger players and is actively seeking to project themselves as the solution to the team's current challenges. However, the report does not disclose the identity of this individual.
The report suggests that Rohit Sharma may reassess his future in Test cricket following the conclusion of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He made his international debut in 2007, captaining the Indian ODI and T20I teams. His Test debut followed in 2013. This period of reflection could lead to a significant decision regarding his captaincy role.
India suffered a disastrous home series defeat against New Zealand at home under Rohit's captaincy, marking their first home series defeat in 12 years. Notably, in Virat Kohli's captaincy India had only lost two home Test series.
Rohit missed the first Test against Australia due to personal reasons. However, under stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, India notched a resounding 195-run win over Australia in Perth. Upon Rohit's return, India lost the Adelaide Test. The third Test in Sydney was drawn due to rain which was followed by another big defeat in MCG Test, leaving them trailing 1-2 in the series. The fifth and final Test of the series will be played in Sydney from January 3.
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Meanwhile, in another development Sports Tak has learnt that right after India's massive 184-run defeat in the fourth Test against Australia, Gambhir during the team assessment blasted the entire squad. However, Gambhir didn't namedrop anyone as his conversation was entirely based on how players were doing their own thing instead they were doing their own thing.
"Right after the match Gambhir during a team assessment had a hard-hitting talks with the entire squad including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He wanted to say, 'tum log jaag rahe ho ya nahi'. He said it in a better way, that 'itne time se mai kuch bol nahi raha hoon to iska matlab ye nahi ki tum granted lo sabkuch' . However, his speech was entirely focused for betterment of the team. Gambhir's speech was a clear hint to everyone who is underperforming in the series," the top source privy to the development told Sports Tak.