Rohit Sharma & Shikhar Dhawan (Photo Source: Twitter)
Shikhar Dhawan came out to the defense of Rohit Sharma after the Mumbai batter became the first Indian captain to lose a home Test series against New Zealand last week. According to the southpaw, it won’t be fair to scrutinize Rohit’s captaincy just after one series of defeats, especially after he had led India to the T20 World Cup 2024 title in June.
Rohit has not had a memorable time as a captain in the home series against New Zealand. Several calls he has made during the two Test matches played so far against Tom Latham and Co. have baffled fans and experts alike. It started with the 37-year-old winning the toss and deciding to bat first under overcast conditions in Bengaluru. In the second Test in Pune, the legendary Sunil Gavaskar termed him a defensive captain as his conservative field placements allowed New Zealand to score some important runs.
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“The pressure you all talk about isn’t something we feel. While there is pressure in the game, we don’t dwell on losses or wins; that’s part of the game. I feel that’s neither a fair nor a practical approach toward anything,” Dhawan said, defending his captain and close friend while speaking to IndiaToday.
Despite the series defeat to the Blackcaps, Dhawan stated that Rohit is a great leader, who has managed to bind the team together over the years.
“As a cricketer, we don’t think that way. And Rohit is a great leader; it’s not just about winning and losing. There’s a bond, the team’s connection with its leader, and how much they look up to him,” Dhawan mentioned.
India will do very well in Australia: Shikhar Dhawan
India lost the first two Tests against New Zealand to go down 0-2 in the ongoing three-match series. This has seemingly jeopardized their hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. They need to win four out of their remaining six Tests to reach the final and five of them will be against current WTC champions Australia.
India will be without Rohit’s services for one of the first two Tests against the Aussies. While some Indian fans have pressed the panic button, Dhawan asserted that the team will do well Down Under. However, the former India opener admitted that Rohit’s experience will be missed in whichever Test match he opts to skip.
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“India will do very well in Australia. Whether he plays the first match or not, of course, his presence and experience will be missed. But I am sure the boys are very, very professional and will perform well,” Dhawan concluded.