Melbourne, Dec 24 (Representative) India captain Rohit Sharma has thrown his weight behind the team’s young batting trio – Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant – as the Indian side gears up for a decisive Melbourne Test in their high-stakes series against Australia. With the series poised at 1-1, India face a crucial opportunity to regain momentum following a mix of commanding wins and costly setbacks.India kicked off the series with a dominant 295-run win in Perth, showcasing their potential with bat and ball. However, their form has fluctuated since then, with a disappointing loss in Adelaide and a hard-fought draw in Brisbane. Despite the inconsistencies, Rohit remains steadfast in his belief in the team’s ability to rise to the occasion.
Jaiswal, who announced his arrival with a scintillating 161 in the opening Test, has struggled to replicate that form, managing just four runs in his last three innings. Gill, a late inclusion in the series, has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to convert promising starts into impactful knocks. Pant, though steady, is still awaiting a breakthrough innings on this tour. Rohit, however, brushed aside concerns, particularly about Pant, citing his past successes in Australia and recent form in home conditions. “He’s been in good form in India, and his record in Australia is impressive. These are tough conditions, but we know what he’s capable of,” Rohit said. He emphasised simplifying the game plan for the younger players, stating, “Let’s not complicate their process. They know their role and have the basics. It’s about guiding them through challenging match situations.”Questions have also been raised about Virat Kohli’s performance, with the star batsman amassing just 126 runs across three matches.
Rohit, however, expressed full confidence in the former captain’s ability to bounce back. “Modern-day greats like Virat will find their way. It’s just a matter of time,” Rohit remarked, underlining his belief in Kohli’s match-winning pedigree. On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah has been India’s standout performer, claiming 21 wickets at a jaw-dropping average of 10.9. However, the rest of the attack, particularly Mohammed Siraj, has faced criticism for failing to capitalise on key moments.Siraj, while managing 13 wickets at 23.92, has struggled with consistency, a factor Rohit attributed to bad luck and missed opportunities. “It’s not just about form,” Rohit noted.
“Siraj and the others have worked hard, but cricket is a game of fine margins. There have been plays and misses, and a few dropped chances that didn’t go our way.” Looking ahead to the Melbourne Test, Rohit stressed the importance of sticking to the basics. “As a captain, my message is simple: Keep running in hard, keep doing what you’ve been doing. One game doesn’t define a player’s ability,” he said. With two Tests remaining, India will aim to bring their batting and bowling units together to challenge a strong Australian side. A win in Melbourne could set the stage for a series victory, reaffirming India’s mettle in foreign conditions. As Rohit leads from the front, his unflinching confidence in his team and calm leadership could prove to be the key to unlocking India’s potential in this gripping series.