WATCH: Pat Cummins makes Rohit Sharma his bunny again and chases India captain for the seventh time in Test cricket

Article Updated On:

December 27 2024

Published On:

December 27 2024

Former Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s unfortunate streak underway Border-Gavaskar Trophy was on full display on Friday during the fourth and crucial test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Rohit, who had dropped to the No. 6 position for the second and third Tests after a poor run of performances, returned to his usual opening spot. However, his return to top spot ended in another failure, leading to concerns over his form.

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Rohit Sharma’s batting struggle

Rohit’s decision to bat at number 6 in the previous matches did not give the desired results. In the three innings he played in that position, the Indian captain managed only 19 runs at a dismal average of 6.33. Comparisons have been made with his performance during the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the same venue, where he scored a crucial unbeaten 63 off 114 balls at No. 6, helping India declare at 443/7. That composed knock, with five fours, contributed significantly to India’s dominant 137-run victory. However, his inability to replicate that form in this series has been evident.

Resuming his position as an opener, Rohit had a chance to redeem himself, but his innings lasted just 14 balls. australian pattern Pat Cummins He once again got the better of him, dismissing the Indian captain for just three runs. This was the seventh time Cummins claimed the wicket of Rohit in Test cricket, highlighting the latter’s struggles against the Australian pacer.

Cummins has been a constant thorn in Rohit’s side in the longest format, dismissing him seven times in 199 deliveries, with Rohit averaging a meager 18.1 against the Australian spearhead. Rohit’s dismissal not only added pressure to India’s batting line-up but also amplified scrutiny on his inconsistent form, especially after replacing the in-form KL Rahul at the top spot.

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Rohit’s poor record against Pat Cummins

Rohit’s poor performances against Cummins across all formats have been a talking point. While he managed to triumph against the Australian bowler in limited overs cricket, Tests have been a different story. Cummins’ consistent ability to exploit Rohit’s weaknesses, particularly with movement and pace, has led to repeated dismissals, underlining the Indian captain’s vulnerability against high-quality fast bowling.

With a lot at stake in the series decider, Rohit’s form (or lack thereof) could prove pivotal to India’s fortunes. Their inability to score runs consistently has not only hurt India’s batting depth but has also placed an extra burden on the middle order to compensate for early dismissals.

For Rohit, the road ahead looks challenging. With doubts over his place in the top order and his ability to handle pressure situations, the Indian captain must quickly find a way to overcome his struggles. As India fight to remain competitive in this Test, the focus will be firmly on their skipper leading by example.

The onus now falls on the rest of the Indian lineup to step up and fill the void left by Rohit’s failures. With Australia ahead, India must come together as a unit to keep their hopes alive in this high-stakes encounter.

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