Rohit Sharma Captaincy Under Fire: Ravi Shastri Criticizes Brisbane Test Strategy
India’s captain Rohit Sharma has found himself at the center of criticism following his fielding strategies on Day 2 of the third Test match against Australia in Brisbane during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite a promising start by Indian bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Nitish Kumar Reddy, who reduced Australia to 75/3 early in the morning session, the hosts staged a strong comeback. Centuries from Travis Head (152) and Steve Smith (101) saw Australia end the day at an imposing 405/7. The pair added a massive 241-run partnership, dictating the game in the process.
Former India coach Ravi Shastri, speaking during commentary, sharply criticized Rohit’s defensive field placements. Shastri labeled the captain’s approach as one of the “worst setups” and suggested that the tactics allowed Head and Smith to dominate the game without pressure.
Adding to the criticism, former Australian opener David Warner suggested that India missed an opportunity to trouble the batters with short-pitched deliveries. The Australian duo capitalized on the defensive tactics, putting the Indian bowlers under immense pressure with their aggressive stroke play.
Indian Bowling Coach Reacts
After the day’s play, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel admitted to lapses in the team’s execution of plans. While acknowledging Travis Head’s brilliant form, Morkel highlighted the issues faced by the bowlers in handling the softer ball during the middle overs.
“Head is in tremendous form, but we need to improve during the crucial overs between 50 and 80. This has been a recurring problem in the last few games,” said Morkel. “Although we had a good start, taking three early wickets, the partnership between Head and Smith exposed areas we must address. Our execution with the softer ball at both ends remains a concern.”
Defensive Tactics Questioned
Shastri’s comments during the match resonated with fans and critics alike. Many questioned why Rohit failed to deploy more attacking field settings against batters known for their counterattacking play. The defensive strategies provided room for Smith and Head to build their innings comfortably, ultimately turning the tide in Australia’s favor.
Morkel further elaborated on the challenges faced by Indian bowlers, noting the lack of sustained pressure after early breakthroughs. “While our start in the morning session was commendable, we allowed the game to slip away later. The partnership put us on the back foot, and we couldn’t maintain momentum with the softer ball,” he added.
Shastri and Warner Offer Suggestions
While critiquing Rohit’s tactics, Warner suggested that India could have unsettled the Australian batters by using short-pitched deliveries, a strategy often employed in Brisbane’s conditions. Shastri echoed similar sentiments, calling for a more aggressive approach that could have turned the match around.
Despite the criticisms, Morkel emphasized the need for a balanced outlook. He praised the quality of Smith and Head’s innings, acknowledging their ability to exploit gaps and put pressure on the Indian attack. “These are two world-class players who punished our mistakes. It’s a reminder of the high standards required to compete at this level,” Morkel concluded.
India’s Current Position
At the close of Day 2, Australia held a commanding position in the Test match. With India trailing significantly and their top order yet to click in the series, the visitors face an uphill task to salvage the game.
Lessons for India
The ongoing Brisbane Test has once again highlighted the need for consistent execution of strategies and adapting to dynamic match situations. As the series progresses, Rohit Sharma and his leadership group will need to reassess their approach, particularly in handling set partnerships and utilizing field placements effectively.
The third Test is far from over, but the challenges faced on Day 2 underline key areas for improvement. With two more matches left in the series, Team India must focus on addressing their vulnerabilities to stay competitive in this high-stakes battle.
As India prepares for Day 3, fans and analysts will closely watch whether the team can bounce back from the setback and turn the match in their favor. With experienced players in the side and lessons to draw from past matches, a strong response is both necessary and anticipated.