Former Australian captain Ian Chappell has applauded Rohit Sharma’s leadership in fighting through loss in the first Test and the loss of several star players in the ongoing India-England series as well. After a great drawn series in South Africa, India faced a shocking 28-run defeat in the first Test against England, leading to several questions about Rohit’s captaincy also. But, the hosts have also been without star batter Virat Kohli throughout the series while KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah have not been present at different stages.
In his column for ESPNcricinfo, Chappell praised Rohit’s captaincy skills, writing: “In the sudden shuffling of the Indian side after a prolonged period of selection stability, the leadership of Rohit Sharma is often overlooked. His capable handling of the many changes to personnel and the tough loss of the first Test shows his resilience. He also produced a masterful century when the Indian team needed it, at the start of the third Test, to confirm he wasn’t a ceremonial captain. Rohit has a pedigree of leadership success and his reputation helped him guide a fluid Indian line-up in the right direction.”
“Any failure in his leadership could easily have led this Indian team to faltering when the going got tough. There is no doubt the elite skill of Bumrah and the talent of Jaiswal and the other inexperienced players India introduced to the team is helpful. However, it required the leadership guidance and the tactical nous of Rohit to ensure that a changing team retained belief in their cricket,” he further added.
However, Rohit Sharma boasts an impressive record as Test captain, with eight wins, four losses, and two draws in 14 matches as well. Under his leadership, Team India turned the table in the Test series as they won it with one in hand.
“Whatever the result, England have displayed their resilience under Stokes and the ability to not fold like a tent after a debilitating loss. Part of the task for Stokes was convincing the batters – mainly Joe Root – to be more judicious if they must employ any “fancy” shots,” wrote Ian Chappell.
