‘I disagree with Sunny on that totally’ – Aaron Finch responds to Sunil Gavaskar’s take on Rohit Sharma’s captaincy for BGT

Sunil Gavaskar and Aaron Finch. (Source:X/Twitter)

With Rohit Sharma disclosing to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about his probable non-involvement in the first Test of the imminent five-match series against Australia due to personal reasons, there remains serious doubts about who would lead the side. There have been a lot of conversations and debates on the same. However, it was Sunil Gavaskar‘s opinion regarding Rohit which stirred polarising reactions amongst the cricket fraternity.  

According to the former Indian skipper, if Rohit missed one or more Tests against Australia, he should not be allowed to take over the reigns on his return to maintain continuity. However, Aaron Finch seemed to disagree with Gavaskar’s harsh opinion.

“I disagree with Sunny (Gavaskar) on that totally. Rohit Sharma is the captain of the Indian cricket team. If you need to stay at home because your wife’s going to have a baby…that’s such a beautiful moment…and you take all the time that you need in that regard,” stated Finch while speaking on Around The Wicket.

Notably, Rohit and his wife, Ritika Sajdeh, are all set to welcome their second child this month. They welcomed their daughter, Samaira, in 2018.

Also Read: ‘I hope Rohit & Virat get big runs, I fear they won’t’ – Michael Vaughan analyses India ahead of BGT 2024-25

Once he freshens up, and Rohit Sharma the same, you’ll see the best of them: Clarke 

Another of Australia’s former captains, Michael Clarke, who was a part of the same discussion, put India’s whitewash to cognitive burnout. He also believed that India will be motivated to come to Australia and level up their game, and believed Virat Kohli and Rohit will return to their optimal level once they rejuvenate.

“Take nothing away from New Zealand but it tells me India are fatigued. Some of their shot selection, the use of bowlers and even Rohit to come out and say he wasn’t at his best – just think it was mental fatigue. They’ve played so much cricket without a break, but it’ll be a little kick up the backside for them.

“They know they’ve played well out here in Australia and they’ll still come here with plenty of talent and that self-belief, but hopefully fresh. That’s the key for the Indian players. Virat Kohli – you can’t be that good for such a long period of time and just turn the tap off. So once he freshens up, and Rohit Sharma the same, you’ll see the best of them,” added Clarke.

The series against Australia is a vital one for India, and they would have to turn up in their best form and shape to have any chances of defeating them to clinch the series. To have a shot at qualifying for the final of the World Test Championship in 2025 without depending on other results, India will have to defeat Australia by a 4-0 margin.