Ravi Shastri critiques Rohit Sharma's 'subdued' captaincy after Adelaide defeat

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has expressed concerns about Rohit Sharma’s captaincy following India’s crushing defeat to Australia in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. The 10-wicket loss significantly hurt India’s World Test Championship (WTC) Final prospects, prompting Shastri to call for a more animated and involved approach from the Indian skipper.

Speaking to broadcasters, Shastri said, “I felt Rohit was a little too subdued. His body language lacked energy, which may have stemmed from his struggles with the bat. As a captain, you need to remain aggressive and expressive to inspire your team, especially during tough moments.”

Shastri remains optimistic about India’s ability to bounce back in the five-match series but emphasized the importance of belief and a counter-punch mindset. “Both these teams are known for immediate responses. India must now prepare to turn the tide in the next game,” he said.

The former head coach also highlighted tactical adjustments, suggesting that India could take inspiration from Australia’s pragmatic approach. “Pat Cummins’ words after the Perth Test stood out. He acknowledged their flaws but maintained composure. India must reflect similarly and avoid dwelling on the scoreboard alone,” Shastri added.

Additionally, Shastri proposed that KL Rahul should move back to the middle-order, with Rohit Sharma resuming his role as an opening batter. “That’s where Rohit can be most effective. Rahul, too, has proven his worth in the middle order before, and this switch could stabilize the batting lineup,” he explained.

With three matches remaining in the series, India still has a chance to recover. However, Shastri’s remarks underline the need for immediate introspection and decisive action to keep their WTC aspirations alive.