India’s Test captain Rohit Sharma faced a tough time during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 in Australia, struggling both with the bat and as a leader. After missing the first Test due to paternity leave, he joined the squad for the second match but failed to make an impact. Despite India securing a victory in Perth under Jasprit Bumrah’s captaincy, the team’s performance declined as the series progressed.
Sharma struggled with the bat, managing only 31 runs in three Test matches at an average of 6.00. His poor form drew criticism from former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, who questioned both his batting approach and leadership. Gavaskar also raised concerns about Sharma’s absence from the Sydney Test, casting doubts on his future in red-ball cricket. He even suggested that a change in captaincy might be necessary for the team’s overall success.
According to Cricblogger reports, Sharma was unhappy with the criticism and felt it was unjustified. He reportedly approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to file a formal complaint against Sunil Gavaskar. Sharma also cited external factors as reasons for his poor performance, attributing them to his struggles during the tour.
A source close to the matter stated, “Rohit felt that Sunil Gavaskar’s criticism was unnecessary, which is why he complained to the BCCI. The added pressure from these remarks compelled him to share his concerns with the board.”
Sharma’s struggles were further highlighted by his disappointing performance in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy 2024-25 campaign, where he failed to score in a match against Jammu & Kashmir, adding to concerns about his form. Despite the criticism, he remains focused on regaining his touch and is using the domestic season to rebuild his batting rhythm. Meanwhile, his complaint to the BCCI could spark future discussions on leadership and team dynamics within Indian cricket.