Legendary South African cricketer Herschelle Gibbs has hit back at former teammate Daryll Cullinan's comments about Indian captain Rohit Sharma being “overweight”. Herschelle Gibbs said fitness is crucial for all players and it depends on each individual how much they want to contribute to the team.
The 37-year-old has registered just one fifty since the start of 2024 at home against England. He failed to reach double figures eight times in his last 13 innings. In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the right-handed batsman scored just 19 runs in three innings at an average of 6.33 with a best score of 10.
Rohit Sharma is overweight and no longer a long-term cricketer – Daryll Cullinan
Earlier, Daryll Cullinan called Rohit Sharma “overweight” and a “problematic bully”, citing his poor form recently. Cullinan pointed out that Rohit is not in optimal form for a long Test series. He questioned Sharma's ability to perform in a four- or five-match Test series given his current fitness.
“Look at Rohit, then look at Virat. Notice the difference in their physical condition. Rohit is overweight and no longer a long-term cricketer. Rohit is not in good physical condition to play in a four- or five-match Test series. Cullinan told InsideSport.
I think it depends on the individual – Herschelle Gibbs
Asked about Daryll Cullinan's comments on Rohit Sharma during an interaction with InsideSport, Herschelle Gibbs pointed out that fitness is a personal choice for every player. Gibbs avoided naming any players, but emphasized that inappropriate players are visible to the public.
“I think it depends on the individual. I was just a thug. Rohit is not bowling. It's up to the individual to me as to how much they want to contribute, not just in their own specific skill. If you're a bowler or a drinker, it's your job to be fit and try to make a contribution on the field,” Gibbs said.
“I don't have to mention any names. You can see everything on TV. Those guys who are not fit and carry a little extra, I mean everyone is there to see. I don't need to mention any names. The mindset should be, especially with a lot of T20 cricket and obviously the Champions Trophy, how much do you want to contribute and make a difference to your team,” he added.
Rohit Sharma hit his knee during the practice session in Melbourne
The fourth Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy will begin on Boxing Day (December 26) in Melbourne. Rohit Sharma suffered a knee injury while training at the Melbourne Cricket Ground ahead of the match. He was seen with an ice pack on his knee during practice on Saturday.
Rohit missed the first Test due to personal reasons. The batsman averages just 26.39 in 24 innings this year with just 607 runs, including two centuries and two fifties. The series is currently tied 1-1 after three tests.
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