‘Rohit Sharma doesn’t have to prove himself, I don’t doubt him’ – Kapil Dev backs out-of-form Indian skipper to get back among the runs (Source – Twitter/X)
Kapil Dev feels that under-fire Indian captain Rohit Sharma doesn’t need to prove himself after putting in some stellar performances in what has been an illustrious international career so far. Rohit, who registered single-digit scores in both innings of the Adelaide pink-ball Test after dropping down the batting order, is being lambasted by fans and experts for being subdued. India capitulated inside seven sessions in the lopsided encounter as Australia notched up a comprehensive 10-wicket victory.
Rohit has played six Tests in the 2024-25 season and is averaging a paltry 11.83. This is the second-lowest batting average for a captain in a particular season with a minimum of 10 innings while batting in the top six. However, the former Skipper, Kapil Dev, who led India to the 1983 World Cup title, hoped that the Mumbai batter would return to form soon.
“He doesn’t have to prove himself. He has done this for many, many years, so let’s not doubt somebody. I won’t doubt him. I hope his form comes back, that’s important,” Kapil said during the launch of the Vishwa Samudra Open, a PGTI event set to begin at the Delhi Golf Club on Tuesday.
Don’t doubt someone’s captaincy with one of two performances: Kapil Dev
Apart from his dismal returns with the bat, Rohit Sharma’s captaincy has come under the scanner since India were whitewashed 0-3 at home by New Zealand recently. However, Kapil reminded everyone that Rohit won India the T20 World Cup only a few months back and backed him to bounce back strongly in the games ahead.
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“With one or two performances, if you doubt someone’s captaincy, I mean, just six months back when he won the T20 World Cup, you wouldn’t have asked me this question. Let it go, knowing his ability and talent, he will come back. They will come back strongly,” Kapil said.
Besides, Kapil Dev was also asked whether India made the right call by handing a debut to Harshit Rana in the first Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The legendary cricketer placed his faith in the Indian think tank to come up with decisions which are best suited for the team.
“I am a nobody. How can I judge? There are people up there who have the responsibility to decide who should be in the team. We shouldn’t talk. My former colleagues are sitting there, and I hope they will do a good job,” Kapil concluded.