[WATCH]- Rohit Sharma Departs Cheaply As Cummins Strikes On Day 5 Of The 4th BGT Test

India skipper Rohit Sharma‘s poor form with the bat persisted as he was dismissed for just nine runs off 40 balls in the second innings of the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 Test on Day 5 (Monday, December 30).

Sharma, who initially focused on surviving the new ball, fell in the 16th over after doing the hard work. He was dismissed by Australian captain Pat Cummins. Facing a full-length delivery on the stumps, Sharma attempted to flick it towards mid-wicket but ended up edging it. Mitchell Marsh completed a sharp catch at gully to send him back.

This marked the fourth time in five innings that Cummins dismissed Sharma in the series. Australia struck early, removing the experienced opener and gaining the upper hand in the final innings of the Boxing Day Test, with India chasing 340. You can watch the video here:

Rohit Sharma depart once again by the CUMMINS
BUMRAH is more wicket than the ROHIT SHARMA run in this series pic.twitter.com/nZyAfSSruN

— THE Stump mic 🎤🎙️ (@AmbujKumarRavi3) December 30, 2024

Rohit Sharma’s Test form has drawn criticism after a series of disappointing performances, managing only 31 runs across five innings at an average of 6.20 in the ongoing series. India face a challenging task of chasing 340 in the Boxing Day Test and are in a tough spot, with KL Rahul falling for a duck just four balls after Sharma’s departure.

“At some point, that leniency has to end” – Michael Hussey on Rohit Sharma’s form

During the Boxing Day Test, former Australian batter Michael Hussey suggested that Rohit Sharma should be dropped if he fails to deliver a significant score in India’s second innings.

Hussey highlighted that the Indian team management had shown enough patience with Sharma and that it might be time to consider other options. He also expressed disappointment with the 37-year-old’s captaincy during this tour.

Speaking to Fox Sports, Hussey stated (as quoted by Hindustan Times):

“I think they’ve given him (Rohit Sharma) that leniency already because he’s been a great player for India. At some stage that leniency has got to stop and it stops after this Test match unless he makes runs in the second innings. I don’t think you have to say ‘where are you at?’ You can see where he’s at.”

“The numbers don’t lie. They’ve had a few tough wickets to bat on previous to this tour in India but you just see even his movement in the field (is not good). Even tactically he’s been off the pace as well and he gets a used by date, everyone does,” he added.

Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.