“When Confidence Falters…”: Australian Legend’s Honest Take on Rohit Sharma’s Recent Form

Fans and experts have recently questioned Rohit Sharma’s place in the Indian Test team due to his lackluster performances with the bat. Former Australia captain Michael Clarke, however, has come out in support of India’s skipper, emphasizing that as captain, Rohit’s position in the team should remain secure. Rohit has struggled to make an impact in the ongoing Test series, managing scores of just 3, 6, and 10 after missing the opening Test in Perth. Despite his struggles, Clarke believes Rohit deserves to stay in the team because of his leadership and past contributions.

Speaking to ESPN Australia, Clarke said, “You never pick just based on form. He’s the captain, so he has to play. Rohit hasn’t had the best start here, but he’s an exceptional player. He plays in the middle order because he believes it’s best for the team. I wouldn’t make any changes. KL Rahul is doing a great job at the top, and I understand that. When Rohit plays with confidence, backing himself and showing aggressive intent, that’s when he’s at his best.”

Rohit has shifted to the middle order in the current series to accommodate the in-form KL Rahul as an opener. Clarke acknowledged that adapting to Test cricket can be challenging for players like Rohit, who have excelled in white-ball formats, especially when their confidence is low. He cited the example of former Australia captain Aaron Finch, who faced similar struggles in Test cricket despite his dominance in limited-overs formats.

“Finch is a good example,” Clarke explained. “He’ll tell you that batting in Tests where the ball moves is tough, especially for those who’ve dominated short-format cricket. It becomes even harder when your confidence drops. I remember telling Finch to back himself from ball one. Sometimes, it may not look great, but that’s how X-factor players and match-winners operate.”

The fourth Test of the series begins on Boxing Day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. While Rohit’s form has raised concerns, Clarke’s support highlights the importance of sticking with a proven player and leader who has the ability to turn games around. Clarke remains optimistic that Rohit’s aggressive and confident style will shine through as the series progresses.