Australian cricket icon Steve Waugh has weighed in on the future of Indian captain Rohit Sharma, ahead of India’s upcoming Test series against England in June. The former World Cup-winning captain urged Rohit to introspect and assess whether he still has the hunger and commitment to lead India, particularly in the demanding Test format.
Rohit’s journey over the past year has been a rollercoaster. While he steered India to two major ICC titles—the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy—his red-ball record has been less convincing. India was whitewashed by New Zealand in a home Test series and later lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Australia. Rohit’s form was a major concern, managing just 31 runs in three Tests before voluntarily sitting out the final BGT Test.
“He’s the only one who can answer that,” Steve Waugh said. “He has to look in the mirror and ask, ‘Am I still fully committed to lead this team? Am I putting in the work?’ Playing for your country is a privilege—you can’t afford complacency.”
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While Rohit’s recent Test form is under scrutiny, his past success in England can’t be overlooked. During India’s 2021 tour, he was the leading run-scorer with 368 runs at 52.57, including a memorable century at The Oval.
Off the field, Rohit’s IPL 2025 campaign started quietly but sparked to life with a blistering 76 against Chennai Super Kings, reminding fans of his match-winning ability.
Waugh also reflected on the future of Test cricket in a T20-dominated landscape. He acknowledged the excitement and commercial appeal of T20s but insisted Test cricket remains the sport’s purest format. “Players still want to challenge themselves in Tests. It’s the ultimate contest. Preserving its legacy is crucial for cricket’s soul,” he said.
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As India prepares for another crucial red-ball challenge, the spotlight remains on Rohit Sharma —not just as a batter, but as a leader who must decide whether to steer the ship or pass the torch.
