Rohit Sharma might have quashed all the rumors about his future in ODI cricket, but there is no denying the fact that his Test future is uncertain, especially after India’s humiliating whitewash at the hands of New Zealand at home and the Test series debacle in Australia.
The Indian skipper had a tough 2024–25 season in Test cricket, scoring only 164 runs in 15 innings at an average of 10.93. This is the lowest average for any of the top seven batters in a season where they played at least 15 innings.
Rohit Sharma’s Test future in danger?
In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, the seasoned opener struggled even more, managing just 31 runs in six innings at an average of 6.20. His poor form led to Rohit missing the fifth and final Test against Australia in Sydney.
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With India set to begin a fresh ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle with the England tour, the debate over Test captaincy has been heating up. However, the former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has backed Rohit Sharma to lead the side against England in the five-match Test series.
Sidhu has made it clear that there is no real replacement for Rohit both as a captain and opener for the upcoming England tour at the moment.
Navjot Singh Sidhu backs Rohit Sharma to lead India in England Test series
With experience on his side and a solid track record in England, the Hitman remains India’s best bet for the high-stakes Test series. He also believes that Rohit and Virat Kohli are crucial for the team’s success on the England tour.
Navjot Singh Sidhu was quoted as saying by Sports Tak, “Who can you make the captain of the Test format at the last moment? You don’t have anyone. No one has performed like Rohit. You don’t have a replacement. Rohit has experience.
You cannot replace Rohit. His record in England is strong. You will have to take along experienced and young players till the 2027 World Cup. You will have to set the team combination right. Rohit will be the captain, and he should be the captain.”
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The cricket pundit further said that Test cricket reveals a player’s true colors and exposes their weaknesses. So, he feels India will need an experienced opener, and there can’t be a better option than Rohit. He also mentioned that Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul could be the replacements, but still, he would prefer Rohit Sharma to terrorize the English side.
Sidhu further explained, “It is important for Virat and Rohit to play in England. Both have experience, and there is no other option apart from them. Rohit knows the conditions of England very well. If anyone is afraid in England, then it is Rohit. If you want to play Test cricket in England, you have to be prepared.”
He also warned that the transition from IPL’s flat tracks to England’s testing conditions can be a harsh reality check for the Indian cricket team. Sidhu signed off by saying, “In IPL you will play on flat pitches and then go to England. You may get a shock there. You have to be fully prepared. Test cricket is a mirror for any player.”
