India’s captain Rohit Sharma has found himself at the center of discussions following a challenging outing in the second Test against Australia in Adelaide.

The 37-year-old, returning to the middle order after years of opening the batting, managed scores of only 6 and 3 in his two innings. This performance has raised questions about his lack of runs.

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Kerry O’Keeffe, a former Australian cricketer and commentator, expressed concerns over Rohit’s position in the team, emphasizing his low average of 13 across the last five Test matches. Let’s take a closer look at what O’Keeffe had to say.

What challenges has Rohit faced in this series?

Having missed the series opener in Perth, Rohit was slotted into the No. 6 position for the Adelaide Test to maintain the successful opening partnership of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Rohit faltered in unfamiliar territory. His dismissal patterns highlighted the relentless pressure exerted by Australia’s pace attack, which has been a dominant force in the Adelaide.

O’Keeffe remarked on the difficulties faced by players above the age of 37 in performing consistently in Australian conditions, citing historical examples of those who succeeded at that stage of their careers.

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“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,” O’Keeffe told 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.

Should India consider a Plan B for the Gabba Test?

O’Keeffe questioned whether Rohit could replicate the feats of legends like Jacques Kallis and Younis Khan, both of whom made significant contributions in similar scenarios.

He also suggested that India’s management might need to reassess their approach to Rohit Sharma’s role in the team.

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He stated, “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?”

The short turnaround before the next match leaves limited time for strategic changes. However, O’Keeffe believes that India’s management is likely to persist with Rohit despite his current struggles.

“I think they will pick and stick, India (although) I think consideration has to be given to changing the team. But they won’t,” he added.

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