Rohit Sharma’s struggles in Test cricket have become a major talking point, both in India and internationally. Once a dependable run-scorer, the Indian captain is now under scrutiny for his prolonged lean patch.

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Australian cricket legend Mark Waugh has added to the debate, issuing a sharp ultimatum: either Rohit performs in the second innings of the ongoing Boxing Day Test or take retirement.

The pressure on Rohit has been building steadily after a series of disappointing performances in 2024. His form with the bat has plummeted, while his leadership has faced criticism following India’s rare 0-3 whitewash at home against New Zealand. 

What did Mark Waugh say about Rohit Sharma?

Speaking to Fox Cricket, Mark Waugh didn’t mince words when discussing Rohit Sharma’s future in Test cricket.

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Waugh stated that, if he were a selector, he would tell Rohit that the second innings at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) could be his final chance.

“If I was a selector now, it depends on what happens in the second innings. If he doesn’t make runs in the second innings and we go to Sydney in a crucial Test match, I’d be saying, ‘Rohit, thank you for your service. You’ve been a great player, but we’re going to bring in Jasprit Bumrah as captain for the SCG and that’s the end of your career,'” Waugh asserted.

The former Australian batter also pointed to Rohit’s worrying statistics, “The numbers don’t lie. They’ve had a few tough wickets to bat on previous to this tour in India but you just see even his movement in the field (is not good),”

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How has Rohit Sharma’s performance declined in 2024?

Rohit’s numbers in 2024 tell a bleak story. The Indian captain has averaged a mere 26.39 across 13 Tests this year, a sharp drop from his usual standards.

After missing the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he returned for the pink-ball Test at Adelaide but managed just nine runs across two innings while batting lower in the order.

Even after returning to the opening position, Rohit’s struggles persisted. In the Gabba Test, he scored only 10 runs in one inning, and his dismissal for just three runs in the Boxing Day Test’s first innings has compounded the pressure.

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Why is Rohit’s captaincy being criticized?

It’s not just Rohit’s batting that has drawn criticism; his captaincy has also come under the scanner. Under his leadership, India suffered their first-ever 0-3 whitewash at home against New Zealand, a result that shocked the cricketing World.

Mark Waugh was particularly critical of Rohit’s tactical decisions, describing them as “off the pace.” 

“Even tactically he’s been off the pace as well. I think they’ve given him that leniency already because he’s been a great player for India. But at some stage, that leniency has got to stop, and it stops after this Test match unless he makes runs in the second innings,” Waugh remarked.

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