Day 5 of the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the MCG began on a sour note for India, as skipper Rohit Sharma fell for just 9 runs off 40 balls. With a daunting target of 333 ahead, expectations were sky-high for the captain to lead from the front. However, Rohit’s early dismissal, bowled by Australian captain Pat Cummins, left fans disheartened and spurred an outpouring of reactions on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
India’s batting woes deepened as Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul also failed to stabilize the innings. KL Rahul, promoted to No. 3, was sent back for a duck after facing just five balls, further denting India’s chances. Virat Kohli’s dismissal, a tentative poke at a wide delivery off Mitchell Starc, added to the misery. Known for his dominance in high-pressure run chases, Kohli’s failure to deliver drew sharp criticism from fans and experts alike.
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Social media erupted with memes, sarcastic remarks, and disappointment directed at India’s top-order collapse. Many fans were vocal about Rohit Sharma’s inability to set an example as the leader in such a pivotal match, while others expressed disbelief at Kohli’s uncharacteristically cautious approach. Comparisons to past heroics and expectations for steadier performances highlighted the growing frustration.
Kohli’s dismissal, particularly, sparked debates about his adaptability to testing conditions, with fans questioning his footwork and decision-making. Mitchell Starc’s incisive bowling, which exposed technical flaws in India’s top order, added fuel to the fire.
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As the day progressed, India’s chances of pulling off a record chase dwindled, with the middle order under immense pressure. The lack of partnerships and frequent wickets highlighted the uphill task for the visitors. Meanwhile, social media buzzed with humor and criticism, making Rohit Sharma and Kohli the primary targets of fan ire.
For now, the Indian team finds itself in a precarious position, with the batting lineup needing to rise above the setbacks to salvage the game. The match remains an uphill battle, but fan sentiments on X have already deemed Day 5 a missed opportunity for India’s top-order stars.
Rohit Sharma should retire not because he didn’t perform but he didn’t put his team’s interest before him. There shouldn’t be any place for selfish player in team India. #AUSvINDIA
— Cricket Devotee 🇮🇳 (@DevoteesCricket) December 30, 2024
Rohit sharma should step down.He has done enough for the Test team in the past but now he is absolutely unable to deliver.He shld go back to the Domestic Cricket for 6 months before he can be considered.He has been sitting on his laurels but no longer now.#INDvsAUS #TestCricket
— abhishek sinha (@abhishek_capt) December 30, 2024
“Virat Kohli can still play for 3-4 more years”🤣🤣
— Babar Azam 56 (@BabarAzam_152) December 30, 2024
He should retire too with Rohit after 5th test
— VIRAT KOHLI ARMY (@PoonamS57472527) December 30, 2024
Kr liya Rohit sharma ne to dance 😐
— Cric_ zero (@NviiiJ25409) December 30, 2024
Virat Kohli story 😭😭💔#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/4PT3nAUJRu
— SAHIL RAJPUT🕊️ (@SahisahilS) December 30, 2024
Happy Retirement Virat Kohli sir, I can’t believe 😭😭#INDvsAUS #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/sJcUDwO8XK
— vikas bal (@iivikasbjp) December 30, 2024
If Rohit Sharma has any shame, moral and logic left in him he will not come to attend the post match conference and straight away run to whatever country of his choice! #INDvsAUS
— PK_GPT (@pkg_lonewolf) December 30, 2024
Happy retirement Rohit Sharma https://t.co/khoHLD7Vrl
— Samar Shrivastav (@Samarshrivastav) December 30, 2024
Virat ka sabse bada masla ab yeh jab yeh batting karta hai aisa lagta hai koi nausikhiya batting kar raha ho bekar sa defence khud badnaam ho team ki position pe down kardo.
— The Emperor Virat Kohli (@Shamelesll54969) December 30, 2024