Can Rohit Sharma lead India's transition in Test cricket? Check details

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has voiced his concerns over the recent struggles of India’s Test cricket team, urging current captain Rohit Sharma to take responsibility and lead the team effectively. Ganguly acknowledged that while Rohit has been outstanding in limited-overs formats, his performance in Tests has been somewhat underwhelming. The former cricketer pointed out that as India prepares for a challenging five-match Test series against England, it is crucial for Rohit to step up not just as a captain but also as a batter. Ganguly highlighted that leadership requires the ability to deliver in all formats, and Rohit’s contributions in Tests have not been as impactful as they are in white-ball cricket.

Rohit Sharma is likely to be India captain in the England tour

The former captain emphasized the importance of consistency in leadership, especially when the team faces tough challenges in Test cricket, where the competition is intense and the pressure is high. As India embarks on the series against England, Ganguly's message to Rohit is clear: the team needs him to rise to the occasion, take charge of the situation, and lead from the front. Rohit’s leadership and batting form will be key to India’s success in this series, and Ganguly’s call for him to take on greater responsibility underscores the significance of the upcoming matches.

India’s recent performances in Test cricket have been disappointing, with the team struggling to find their form. In October-November 2024, they suffered a historic 0-3 whitewash at home against New Zealand, a result that shocked many and raised serious concerns about the team’s approach to the longest format of the game. This defeat was followed by another setback, as India lost the Test series in Australia 1-3, effectively ending their chances of qualifying for the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final.

These back-to-back losses have sparked significant criticism and raised important questions regarding the team’s strategy, preparation, and overall performance. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly did not shy away from addressing these concerns, particularly focusing on Rohit Sharma’s inconsistent performances in Test cricket. Ganguly pointed out that while Rohit has excelled in limited-overs formats, his contributions in Tests have not been up to par with expectations. As India prepares for upcoming challenges, including a crucial Test series against England, Ganguly emphasized the need for Rohit to lead by example, both with the bat and as a captain. Ganguly’s comments serve as a reminder that India’s Test cricket future depends on strong leadership and consistency, and the pressure is now on Rohit Sharma to rise to the occasion and address the team’s recent struggles.

"What has surprised me is his form in red ball over last 4-5 years. A player of his stature and ability, he can do much better than what he has done. He must put on his thinking cap because we have 5 Tests against England and that's going to be another hard series. Just like the way it was in Australia. It's going to seam; it's going to swing. India need him to perform in the red ball but in white ball, he is one of the greatest ever," stated former India captain Sourav Ganguly in a recent conversation. 

India will kick off their next World Test Championship cycle with a challenging five-match series against England, starting on June 20. This series will provide a crucial opportunity for the team to rebound from their recent struggles in the longest format of the game. However, it is not expected to be an easy task for India. The team’s recent form, including their disappointing defeats against New Zealand and Australia, has raised doubts about their ability to perform overseas, particularly in challenging conditions like those in England.

Historically, India has struggled to secure Test series wins in England. The last time they claimed a series victory there was in 2007 under the captaincy of Rahul Dravid. Since then, India has faced a number of tough challenges, with the English conditions proving to be a tough test for the visiting teams. With the pressure of the WTC cycle ahead, this series provides India with an excellent opportunity to not only bounce back from their recent setbacks but also to make a statement by overcoming their past struggles in England. However, they will need to be at their best to break the decade-long drought and secure a series win on English soil.

"I'm not surprised that he's taken the side to greater heights in white ball. I don't know whether he's going to continue playing Test cricket but if he is hearing me, he should take the responsibility of turning things around in red-ball. India are not good at red-ball at the moment and they need to look at it, find a way to play well in England because that's going to be a very important five-Test series. Rohit has to find a way to get this team going,” Ganguly added.