Ex-Australia cricketer Kerry O'Keeffe has criticised India captain Rohit Sharma's poor form following India's crushing defeat in Adelaide Test on December 8. O'Keeffe suggested that India might need to consider alternative options as Rohit's age and declining performance raise concerns.
Rohit's recent outing in Test matches is no less than disappointing, with low scores of 3 and 6 in the Adelaide Test. In an unusual move, he shifted his batting position to number six. This decision was made after the successful opening partnership of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul in the Perth Test.
Kerry O' Keefe questions Rohit Sharma's form
Former Australian cricketer Kerry O'Keeffe expressed concern about Rohit Sharma's recent poor form, particularly in the Adelaide Test against Australia. O'Keeffe believes that Rohit's struggles against the formidable Australian bowling attack will make it difficult for him to regain his form.
“I think they will pick and stick, India (although) I think consideration has to be given to changing the team. But they won’t. It’s a tough gig to come here at 37 years of age. Rohit has averaged 13 in his last five Test matches (and has) a double failure in Adelaide," Kerry O'Keeffe said while speaking to Fox Sports.
"You could count on one hand the number of 37 year old-plusses who have come to Australia and had a significant effect on the series. I think Younis Khan of Pakistan is one. Jacques Kallis of South Africa is another. Both averaged over 50," he added.
Gautam Gambhir & Co told to consider plan B after India's 10-wicket defeat in Adelaide
O'Keeffe continued his analysis of Rohit Sharma's form, expressing doubts about whether the Indian captain can regain his form in the upcoming matches. Given the formidable Australian bowling attack, O'Keeffe suggested that Gautam Gambhir and the Indian team management should consider alternative plans for the batting order.
“Can Rohit Sharma do that in the remaining few Tests? That question has to be asked. He’s the skipper. I think he’ll stay, but I think consideration must be given to game plan B. This Australian pace attack is relentless. They are not going anywhere. Is Rohit Sharma?” O'Keeffe further argued.
Travis Head's century was instrumental in Australia's victory in Adelaide Test against India, and he was rightly named Player of the Match. With the series level at 1-1, all eyes will be on Brisbane Test which will start from December 14.