India captain Rohit Sharma once again disappointed with the bat in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-2025. On Day 2 of the fourth Test against Australia at the MCG, Rohit crashed for a lowly 4 runs, which marked his third single digit score in the series. Meanwhile, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has lashed out at India captain for his batting fiasco and the way he got dismissed. Ponting described the shot as 'lazy' and suggested that Rohit appeared 'switched off', 'lacking commitment'. Rohit's dismissal reflects a concerning trend, he has been struggling consistently with the bat, with his poor form persisting throughout his last five innings in the country.
India found themselves in a precarious position at tea, when they were placed at 51/2 following Australia's strong first innings performance, which saw Steve Smith cracking his 34th Test century to lead his side to a colossal total of 474 runs.
Hitman's innings came to an abrupt end when he mistimed a pull shot. The ball went high in the air and was comfortably caught by Scott Boland at mid-on off a delivery from Australian captain Pat Cummins.
Ricky Ponting slams Rohit Sharma
Following Rohit's dismissal, seasoned batter KL Rahul entered the crease at number three. He initially looked confident, however, he too returned to the hut before tea after scoring just 24. Cummins delivered an exceptional ball, dismissing Rahul, who had been India's most consistent performer on the tour.
However, it was Rohit's dismissal which drew Ponting's flak as the former Australia captain went on to crack whip at India skipper for his batting struggle.
"That's just a lazy, not switched on, not up for the moment type of shot. He's been known as one of the best hookers and pullers of the ball since he's made his debut but that's just not there. It's nothing. It's not committed, not looking to be aggressive, he's just looking to tap it on the head," Ponting said while speaking on Channel 7.
"Might have held in the wicket yes, it might have seamed away from him a fraction. But if you're going to survive against this Aussie attack, you've got to be switched on. You've got to be making good decisions. If you're not, they'll knock you over every time," Ponting further added.
Barring Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored a crucial 82, none of the India batters looked settled on the crease, including Virat Kohli, who took the longest walk towards pavilion after notching 36 off 86. By the end of Day 2 stumps, India were left reeling at 164/5 with Rishabh Pant (6*) and Ravindra Jadeja (4*) steal unscathed on the crease.