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Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali blamed Rohit Sharma for India’s 184-run defeat in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in a shocking but logical statement .
Rohit Sharma, after struggling to find the sixth spot in the second and third Tests of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, decided to Returning to his familiar opening position for the Test against Australia.
Buster Ali slams Rohit Sharma for poor decision after Australia win MCG Test
However, this change did not bring the results he hoped for. Buster Ali said that this instead disrupted India’s batting line-up and affected their confidence, which ultimately led to their defeat at the MCG.
Also read: ‘A harsh decision’: Rohit Sharma told to drop himself and Virat Kohli for Sydney Test
In the recent Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, Rohit was dismissed for just 3 and 9 runs in both innings by Pat Cummins. The India skipper has scored a disappointing 31 runs in five innings so far in BGT 2024-25, averaging just 6.20.
This is the lowest average for an Australian visiting captain. If he fails to perform well in the upcoming fifth and final Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on January 3, 2025, his performance could reach a new low, even better than that of the former West Ham player. Indies captain Courtney Walsh’s average performance is even worse. 7.75.
Buster Ali blames Rohit Sharma for India’s 184-run defeat in Boxing Day Test
Meanwhile, Basit Ali has questioned whether India have become overconfident after winning the first Test in Perth. The former Pakistan cricketer also slammed Rohit Sharma, saying his decision to open the batting shattered India’s confidence in the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The former Pakistan selector also highlighted how the outstanding performance of KL Rahul was bearing the pressure of relegation, which resulted in him finishing third with a dismal 24 and 0 runs in India’s 184-run defeat on Boxing Day. Test against Australia in Melbourne.
Basit Ali said on his YouTube channel: “Have India become overconfident after winning the first Test (in Perth)? Ek faisla – ke nahi, mai open karunga. Rohit is not in good form, And the one who scored (KL) Rahul, you put pressure on him too Aapne team kaconfidencebilkulshatterkardiya (you shattered the confidence of the team).”
He further stated that Shubman Gill, who was dropped from Washington Sundar, should play in the Boxing Day Test even though he scored zero runs in both innings against Australia. Basit added, “But just because of Rohit’s position, you disrupt the entire team’s lineup.”
Buster Ali wants Jasprit Bumrah to replace Rohit Sharma as India Test captain
Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on Rohit Sharma, with the former Pakistan cricketer believing it is time for a change in leadership. In a bold statement, Buster Ali suggested that Rohit resign as captain and leave it to Jasprit Bumrah to step up and lead the Indian team in the final Test.
Basit pointed out: “I think the time has come for Rohit to step down; (Jasprit) Bumrah should be the captain for the last Test. You have served India a lot but your body cannot support you now.”
He was also disappointed with Gautam Gambhir’s leadership and Basit concluded by saying: “Mera khayal hai Dravid ki yaad aayegi (I think former coach Rahul Dravid will be missed).”
