With WTC Final Approaching, Can India Afford Rohit Sharma’s Poor Form?

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Rohit Sharma’s struggles in Test cricket show no signs of improving, with another disappointing outing in India’s second Test against New Zealand at Pune’s Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.

Chasing a steep target of 359, Rohit began confidently but couldn’t convert his start, falling to Mitchell Santner on a turning track. His dismissal has raised questions about whether India can continue to rely on him, especially with the World Test Championship (WTC) final looming next year.

A Flash of Intent, But No Substance

Rohit gave a glimpse of aggression, hitting William O’Rourke for a boundary off the very first delivery he faced. It appeared as though he intended to take the attack to the opposition. However, the 37-year-old’s resistance was short-lived, as Santner outfoxed him, adding another failure to his lean patch in the longest format. His struggles in the first innings were even worse, with Tim Southee dismissing him for a nine-ball duck, giving New Zealand early control of the game.

Rohit Sharma’s Numbers That Don’t Inspire Confidence

Rohit’s recent record makes his place in the Test side debatable. In his last eight Test innings, he has accumulated just 104 runs at an average of 13. His sequence of scores—6, 5, 23, 8, 2, 52, and 0—indicates a worrying trend of inconsistency. This slump has sparked conversations about whether he continues to play solely because of his captaincy.

Tough Decisions Ahead for Team India

With India eyeing a spot in the WTC final next year, the team management may need to make some bold calls. Rohit’s form could jeopardize India’s preparation, especially with younger talents waiting for opportunities. India has often emphasized performance over reputation, and if Rohit’s form doesn’t improve soon, the selectors might have to explore other options to strengthen the squad before the big event.

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