The Indian cricket team has failed to perform at a crucial stage in the last decade. Losing around a dozen trophies and multinational tournaments because of poor performances. The latest addition to the list is the humiliating defeat against Australia in the World Test Championship finals. Fans and former players are constantly criticising the approach of Indian team management.
India captain Rohit Sharma has been one of the most criticised players in recent times. In the latest addition to his critics, legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar slammed his approach as a captain. However, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh came up in support of Rohit and said that he is being subjected to too much criticism. He also said that Cricket is a team sport and individuals should not be criticised.
“I find that people are going a bit overboard… the way Rohit has been criticised.” Cricket is a team sport, and one individual cannot take you from one place to another,” Harbhajan told PTI. “Team India didn’t do well in the WTC final, and yes, you talk about that performance and move on from there. But it is unfair to criticise Rohit alone for not scoring runs, not putting on weight, and not captaining well. I think he is a brilliant leader,” he further added.
“I have played with him (Rohit) and watched him closely. He commands a lot of respect, not only in the MI dressing room but also in the Indian dressing room. So I think it’s unfair to judge him based on recent results. He will come good, and we need to show faith in him and support him rather than pinpointing that you are not doing this or that”, Harbhajan emphasised the need to support Rohit.
Rohit must be getting support – Harbhajan Singh
Further speaking about the support and confidence the Indian Cricket Board extends to their captains Bhajji said that Rohit must be getting it. “If you have the support of the Board, you can work freely. Not just MS Dhoni or Virat Kohli; if you go back a little further, a lot of captains have gotten support from presidents of that time. Rohit must be getting support from the board. I don’t know how much support he must be getting, though.”
“Having that kind of support will help him take the right kind of decision at the right time. He will get that liberty if he has that support. Support must be there for Rohit like the Board has given it to all its captains,” the ‘Turbanator’ further added. Notably, India, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, will face the West Indies in a two-match Test series followed by a three-match ODI series. After that, the team will move to the subcontinent to prepare for the Asia Cup, while Hardik Pandya will lead a young team in a five-match T20I series against the West Indies.
Here is how fans reacted to Harbhajan Singh’s comments on Rohit Sharma:
But Rohit is the captain. He is not just a team member. When captain doesn’t perform it matters.
— Nirmal Jyothi (@majornirmal) July 10, 2023
no hate to rohit but for same reason people criticize kohli
— gurpreet (@grxwal7) July 10, 2023
Tbh this is quite true. People didn't win anything when fully fit Bumrah, Jadeja, Pant were available & roaring. Rohit getting team without the pillars of Indian cricket to lead & then getting blamed solely for everything. I really feel for Rohit.
— David. (@CricketFreakD3) July 10, 2023
If he wins the title, he is a good captain. If he does not, he isn't. As simple as that. He lost in T20I WC and WTC. Hopefully, he can win the ODI WC.
— Yuvraj (@Yuvi_A7) July 10, 2023
????????
— Jannhvi ? (@janhvii_18) July 10, 2023
When Virat was captain- blame him he is the captain
When others r captain – its a team sport, how can u alone the captain— Mid Wicket (@LawlSagittarius) July 10, 2023
Rohit has the highest avg among the team in last few years. Bowling has been good. Batting for the first time has been disappointing.
— Sridhar (@sridharsahukara) July 10, 2023
Mr. Bhaajji criticism are based on performance of Rohit Sharma only ….if he performs then he will not get criticized so don't overreact what not needs to be…
— MSM (@MSM01999) July 10, 2023
This is why Harbhajan singh is greatest spinner ever?
— HITMAN?? (@im___Rajput) July 10, 2023
@harbhajan_singh last three yrs
18 Tests 32 inn 1296 runs @43 with 3 100s and 4 50s..
is it what he refers performance..— The_FouRth_iDiot (@bijendrasinha) July 10, 2023
Harbhajan to Rohitpic.twitter.com/l2U2fZeavk
— Bakri Player (@91_of_79) July 10, 2023
Everyone saw how brilliant leader he is when 8 wickets are down he opens the field one boundary and from aggressive to defensive field selecting umesh ahead of unadkat.Look at his fitness in t20 wc. And after that in 4 days he got slim.
— Tu13dekhh (@Tu13dekhh13) July 10, 2023
We know this man, he always puts country first than his own records. If he fails,most of the time India loses, but when he hits, he hits too big and India remains at the top. @ImRo45 You have to do it this time Hitman, for us, for India.?
— Jaise ko taisa ? (@candidtruth12) July 10, 2023
Defend krne ki disguise me sara criticism list krdia.
— Viz (@4_viz) July 10, 2023
