Thu Dec 12 15:39:16 UTC 2024: ## India Captain Rohit Sharma Faces Criticism Amidst Slumping Batting Performance

**Brisbane, Australia –** Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma is under fire following a string of poor performances, prompting harsh criticism from former cricketers. Sharma has scored only 142 runs in six Tests since the start of the home Test season, leading to concerns about India’s batting form.

Former South African cricketer Daryll Cullinan described Sharma as “overweight” and a “flat-track bully,” claiming his fitness levels are inadequate for long Test series and that he isn’t a long-term solution for India’s captaincy. Cullinan highlighted Sharma’s struggles against bounce as a major weakness.

While Sharma’s home record is strong, his recent performances, alongside Virat Kohli, have been a significant factor in India’s struggles to consistently post 250+ scores in their last seven matches. This poor form continued in the second Test against Australia, further fueling criticism.

The criticism comes after India suffered a humiliating 295-run defeat in Perth. Despite individual brilliance from players like KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Virat Kohli in that match, and a strong second innings in Perth, India’s overall batting performance has been inconsistent since the start of the home season against Bangladesh and New Zealand.

Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden has called on Indian batsmen to improve their performance and bat for longer periods in the upcoming third Test in Brisbane, starting December 14. India will be desperate for a win to take the series lead after their recent defeat.

Read More