'Rohit Sharma's Observations at First Slip: India Captain Urged to Show More Spark as Bumrah Impresses'

Former Australia batter Simon Katich has called for Rohit Sharma to inject more energy into his captaincy, particularly towards his bowlers, following India's recent loss to Australia in the 2nd Test at Adelaide. Although India had a dominant start to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy under Jasprit Bumrah's captaincy, their performance took a nosedive upon Rohit's return, resulting in a comprehensive 10-wicket defeat in the day-night Test. The key difference in India's performance between the two Tests was their bowling. In the series opener, India showcased a brilliant bowling display after being bundled out for 140, limiting Australia to just 104 runs. However, their bowling attack appeared lackluster and vulnerable in the pink-ball Test, allowing Australia to amass a hefty 337 runs, with Travis Head shining with a spectacular century. Katich believes that Rohit needs to provide better guidance and motivation to his bowlers to ensure a more consistent and effective performance in the upcoming Tests of the series. With three Tests remaining and the series level at 1-1, Rohit will need to step up his captaincy to lead India to victory against a strong Australian side.

Katich reckons the same bowling attack, under Bumrah and Rohit, cut a very contrasting figure. Explaining the difference in how the two captains operate with their bowlers, it's evident that Rohit's leadership fell flat, whereas Bumrah ticked every box. Katich appealed to Rohit to grab the bull by its horns and shake things up.

"When you compare the two results, obviously, in Perth, Rohit Sharma missed out. And I thought Bumrah's captaincy, and particularly, the use of his bowlers in the length that they bowled, was far superior to what we saw in Adelaide. In Perth late on Day 1 when Australia were 7/67, India attacked the stumps and bowled much fuller and straighter lengths," Katich said on the 'Around the Wicket' podcast.

"Whereas, when you look at the pitch map for Adelaide, on the night of Day 1, they were a lot shorter and wider, and around the 7-8 meter mark. So they missed a trick. Rohit Sharma was at first slip; he saw it all unfold. He needs to be a bit more proactive with his quicks when that's happening. Because Australia got out of jail in that session only being one down and as a result, went on to win the Test."

Callum Ferguson, the former Australia batter and the co-host on the show weighed in on Rohit's struggles with the bat, saying batting at a different position after a gap can easily throw a batter off his game. Rohit missed the first Test due to the birth of his son, and when he rejoined in Adelaide, the skipper demoted himself down the order to ensure that the pair of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal – who batted exceptionally well with a record-opening stand in the 2nd innings at Perth – wasn't disturbed.

As the noise surrounding Rohit's position begins to gain steam ahead of the Brisbane Test, Ferguson knows where Rohit is best equipped to bat. Rohit is struggling, having scored 142 runs in his last six Tests at an average of 11.83, but Ferguson feels a big score is around the corner.

"Yeah, no doubt it's concerning. He's one of my favourite players to watch and he's just not looking in great rhythm at the moment. I mean, that can come from the lack of continuity. He missed the first Test, so he'll be looking to get set at the crease. It's a pink-ball Test they are coming off. It can be very difficult in different scenarios. So I am really hopeful he can get in and get set and they show everyone what he's capable," said Ferguson.

"Because he plays so well off both feet. So Rohit Sharma is built for Australian conditions batting at 6, which is where I feel he probably should bat in this series. That's a great spot for him to come in when the edge is off the ball, and he really starts to find some groove again."