In the latest turn of events from the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy, a video from Team India’s practice session in Melbourne has gone viral, showing India’s captain Rohit Sharma being outclassed by teammate Devdutt Padikkal. The video has sparked a flurry of reactions from cricket fans and netizens, with many criticizing Rohit’s recent form and the embarrassing moment in the nets.
Rohit Sharma’s Recent Struggles: A Cause for Concern?
Rohit Sharma, one of India’s premier batsmen, has not been in his best form in Test cricket for some time now. His recent performances in the Border Gavaskar Trophy have been below expectations, which has led to mounting criticism. The veteran batsman’s lack of runs has raised questions about his place in the Indian Test side.
In the ongoing series, Sharma’s form has been under intense scrutiny. In the three innings he has played so far in the series, he managed just 3 and 6 in the second Test and 10 in the first innings of the third Test. This continued slump has led many to wonder whether Rohit deserves a spot in the playing XI for the upcoming Boxing Day Test, which is set to take place on December 26.
The Viral Net Session Incident
The most recent incident involving Rohit has come from a net session video that surfaced from Melbourne. In the clip, Devdutt Padikkal, a part-time spinner, bowls an off-spin delivery to Rohit Sharma. The Indian captain fails to read the delivery, missing the ball completely, which ends up hitting the stumps. The video, shared on X (formerly Twitter), quickly gained traction, with fans calling it ‘embarrassing’ and questioning Sharma’s current form.
Interestingly, Padikkal, who has been part of the Indian squad, was dropped after the first Test due to a lack of significant runs. His performance with the bat in the first Test failed to impress, leading to Shubman Gill’s inclusion in the subsequent matches. While Padikkal’s recent success in the nets can be seen as a positive, the incident involving Rohit Sharma raised eyebrows among fans and critics alike.
Fans React: “Embarrassing” and “Selfless”
As expected, the viral video didn’t go unnoticed by cricket fans on social media. One user commented, “Oh my Gawwddd… he is done for here… so embarrassing,” reflecting the disappointment of many fans over Rohit’s poor form. Another fan humorously added, “He was selfless here. He didn’t want to discourage the youngster so he got out,” suggesting that Rohit’s dismissal could have been a tactical move to boost Padikkal’s confidence.
One optimistic fan wrote, “Padikkal can be made into an all-rounder if he wishes and practices for it,” hinting at the possibility of the young player adding another skill to his arsenal in the future. While the comments varied in tone, the general consensus among netizens was clear – Rohit’s current form and the awkward moment in the nets have left many questioning his position in the team.
Injury Woes for Rohit Sharma
Apart from his recent poor form, Rohit Sharma has also been dealing with injury concerns. During the same practice session in Melbourne, he was seen receiving treatment from the team physio. However, reports suggest that the Indian captain is in good physical condition and is expected to feature in the upcoming Boxing Day Test against Australia. This match will be a critical opportunity for Rohit to redeem himself and silence his critics.
Rohit had missed the first Test of the series due to personal reasons, as he wanted to be with his newborn child. He returned to the squad for the second Test and made his way into the playing XI for the third Test. Despite his injury setbacks and the criticism surrounding his form, the Indian team management is hopeful that Rohit will come back strong in the Boxing Day Test. Melbourne’s conditions, known to favor batsmen more than the previous Test venues, could provide the perfect setting for a much-needed return to form for the 36-year-old opener.
What’s Next for Rohit Sharma?
The upcoming Boxing Day Test could be a defining moment for Rohit Sharma in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. With increasing pressure from fans and critics alike, the Indian captain will be keen to prove himself and lead from the front. A strong performance in Melbourne would not only help India in their bid for a series win but also reaffirm Rohit’s value in the Test side.
For fans, the hope is that this difficult phase for the Indian captain is temporary and that he will soon find his rhythm again. With the spotlight firmly on him, Rohit Sharma’s journey through this series could shape his Test career in the coming months.
Conclusion
Rohit Sharma’s poor form in the Border Gavaskar Trophy, coupled with the viral video of him being outclassed by Devdutt Padikkal in the nets, has left many questioning his place in the team. While the incident in Melbourne raised eyebrows, it’s important to remember that form is temporary, and a solid performance in the Boxing Day Test could turn things around for the Indian captain. As the series progresses, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma to deliver when it matters most.
