Former cricketer Yograj Singh has opened up on India captain Rohit Sharma's poor form in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Yograj appealed for support to Rohit Sharma on behalf of the people of the country and the media and backed him to return to form soon.
Yograj Singh is the father of former Indian police officer Yuvraj Singh. Known for his controversial remarks, Yograj has been in the headlines for his critical comments on legendary players Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni.
Yograj Singh breaks his silence on Rohit Sharma's poor form
During a conversation with News 18, Yograj Singh was asked about Rohit Sharma's poor form with the bat. The former India pacer blamed the people of the country for not supporting their captain when he needed them the most.
“No (If it's time to say goodbye to Rohit). This is totally wrong. I think it is a big problem in our country that we support players when they are winning but we don't support them whenever they are in a slump,” said Yograj.
Yuvraj Singh father Yograj Singh on Rohit Sharma❤️
When he said: Today, Rohit needs support, but we throw him a niche.
My respect for him 📈— Rohan💫 (@rohann__18) January 4, 2025
Rohit Sharma has faced severe criticism from all corners of the cricketing world after his poor outing in the ongoing Test series against Australia. The Indian captain has not only looked in poor form with the bat but has also looked clueless as a captain several times in the series.
Yograj Singh cites the example of Sunil Gavaskar
Yograj Singh further cited the example of India's legendary opener Sunil Gavaskar and claimed that every player goes through bad form. He requested the people of the country and the media to support Rohit Sharma in this tough time.
“In 1981, he (Sunil Gavaskar) wasn't even able to touch the ball. He wasn't getting runs. But there was no problem in the dressing room. Sunny was going to practice and he didn't even know what was happening to him. No he scored a fifty in seven to eight innings,” noted Yograj.
“But he came out of the bad patch and Sunil Gavaskar started scoring again. Name me one player who hasn't seen bad form. Today Rohit needs support from the people of the country, from the media, but we just put him down .(criticizing him),” he added.
Rohit Sharma's poor returns in BGT 2024-25
Rohit Sharma did not play the first match of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to the birth of his second child. In his absence, Jasprit Bumrah led the team to a historic win as India took a 1-0 lead.
Rohit came back to lead from the second match but looked woefully out of form with the bat. He led the team in the second, third and fourth Tests of the series before being dropped for the final Test in Sydney, where vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah was handed over once again.
Rohit Sharma has had a poor run and has scored just 31 runs in three Tests at an average of 6.20. He did not look fit with the bat and struggled in every innings he played. Rohit played at No.6 in the second and third Tests to host the in-form KL Rahul at the top.
However, he moved to open in the fourth Test but was still dismissed cheaply. His poor returns have given rise to rumors of his retirement, but Rohit recently clarified that he will fight the situation.