Credits: X

Credits: X

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma faced the wrath of former England skipper Michael Vaughan after his flop show against Pat Cummins in the third Test of the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Notably, Australia and India are tied at 1-1 after the first two Tests and the third game at the Gabba saw the hosts dominating their counterparts. Batting first, the Baggy Greens posted a total of 445 in the first innings of a rain-delayed game. 

The visitors who were aiming to make a sound comeback after losing the Adelaide Test by 10 wickets, ended up crumbling to the Aussie pace attack. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who could put only nine runs on the scoreboard, was hopeful of shutting all critics with a powerful show with the bat. However, Sharma fell prey to Cummins’ brilliance on Day 4 of the Test and managed just 10 runs before his Aussie counterpart drew him forward with the ball taking an outside edge and settling in Alex Carey’s gloves. 

Sharma’s back-to-back flop shows drew criticism from fans and pundits alike. Former England skipper Michael Vaughan slammed the Indian captain and labelled him ‘timid’. He told Star Sports, “Pat Cummins was right up there and Rohit Sharma had no answer. It was very timid from him. He was expecting a different delivery but got something different.” 

Cheteshwar Pujara blames Rohit Sharma’s change in batting position for poor form

Veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara also opined on Rohit Sharma’s poor form and blamed it on his change in batting position. While speaking on Star Sports, he said, “It wasn't a length where you can drive. We have seen that even with a fuller length ball, it's hard to drive. He kind of tried to punch that ball. He should have defended that ball, allowed the ball to come to him rather than going for that ball. And I think the tough part is he hasn't been, amongst runs, and that's where the pressure is.” 

He added, “He has been opening the innings, now he's batting at number 6. That is for the team, but I still feel that when you are so much used to opening the innings and when you have to wait, then you put yourself in that doubt. I mean, it doesn't help you when you're opening innings and you suddenly start batting at number 6. So that you don't get that momentum either.”