Navjot Singh Sidhu, the former Indian cricketer, expressed strong disapproval of the Indian team management’s decision to exclude skipper Rohit Sharma from the crucial Sydney Test against Australia. In a passionate video posted on his official X handle, Sidhu criticized the move, arguing that a player of Rohit’s stature and contribution deserved greater respect, especially in the high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy finale.
The drama surrounding the SCG Test began when it was revealed that Rohit had been “rested,” paving the way for vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah to take charge of the team. This decision came amid growing speculation regarding Rohit’s recent rough patch, including a streak of losses under his leadership. However, Sidhu vehemently opposed the decision, asserting that removing a captain during a temporary slump sent “wrong signals” to the cricketing world and fans alike.
“A Captain should never be dropped midstream nor given the option to opt out … it sends wrong signals,” Sidhu remarked. “I’ve seen captains like Mark Taylor and Mohammad Azharuddin persist as captains for a year despite bad form. Rohit Sharma deserved more respect and faith from the management. It’s bizarre because this has never happened before in Indian cricket history. It’s a blunder — for a fallen lighthouse is more dangerous than a reef!” Sidhu added, emphasizing the importance of supporting a leader through tough times.
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Rohit had come under fire after India’s disappointing run, losing five of their last six Tests under his captaincy. The recent 3-0 series defeat at home to New Zealand, which ended a 12-year unbeaten streak on Indian soil, added to the scrutiny. With Rohit absent from the SCG XI, India fielded a reshuffled batting lineup, with Shubman Gill stepping in to replace him.
A Captain should never be dropped midstream nor given the option to opt out … sends wrong signals …. Have seen Captain s like Mark Taylor , Azharuddin etc persisted as captain for a year despite bad form …. @ImRo45 deserved more respect and faith from the management …… pic.twitter.com/OJcSF9r3fU
— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) January 3, 2025
Despite the controversy, stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah showed solidarity with Rohit during the toss, referring to him as “our captain” and commending his selflessness. Bumrah highlighted that Rohit’s decision to step aside was made in the team’s best interest, underscoring the shift in focus from individual form to collective goals.
On Day 1, India’s batting continued to struggle as they were bowled out for just 185, undone by Australia’s potent seam attack. Virat Kohli, once again, was dismissed for just 17 runs, falling victim to his recurring issue of edging deliveries outside off-stump.
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At stumps, Australia were 9 for 1, with Bumrah dismissing the out-of-form Usman Khawaja for just 2. The day’s highlight was a fiery exchange between Bumrah and debutant Sam Konstas, who impressed with a boundary off his first ball. As discussions around Rohit Sharma’s exclusion continue, Sidhu’s outspoken criticism highlights the divided opinions surrounding the decision. With the stakes high in the series decider, India will look to bounce back and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
