Indian cricketing icon Kapil Dev has thrown his support behind under-fire skipper Rohit Sharma, following India’s 10-wicket loss to Australia in the second Test at Adelaide Oval. Speaking at the launch of the Vishwa Samudra Open golf championship, Kapil addressed concerns over Rohit’s leadership and form.
Kapil Dev calls for patience with Rohit Sharma
Kapil, known for his candid opinions, urged patience from fans and critics alike, emphasizing that judging a captain on the basis of one or two poor performances is unjust. “Rohit doesn’t need to prove himself—he has done it consistently for many years,” Kapil said. “Let’s not doubt someone’s capabilities so quickly. His talent and ability are well-known, and I’m confident he will regain his form.”
Reflecting on recent success and future challenges
The 1983 World Cup-winning captain highlighted Rohit’s recent successes, reminding critics of India’s T20 World Cup triumph earlier this year under his leadership. “Six months ago, when he led India to the T20 World Cup title, nobody questioned his captaincy. If his form continues to dip, decisions will naturally follow, but for now, let’s trust his abilities and give him the time to bounce back,” Kapil added.
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Rohit, who returned for the Adelaide Test after missing the first match in Perth due to the birth of his second child, struggled for runs and scored just 3 and 6 after moving down the batting order.
India, captained by Jasprit Bumrah in Rohit’s absence, registered a commanding 295-run victory in the opening Test at Perth.
As the Indian team prepares for the third Test at The Gabba, beginning on December 14, Kapil’s remarks reflect a firm belief in Rohit’s resilience and capability to overcome setbacks. Whether Rohit can rediscover his form and lead India to success in the remainder of the series remains to be seen, but for now, the legendary all-rounder has sent a strong message of support.