‘Rohit is a great leader’: Shikhar Dhawan backs Rohit Sharma after Test series defeat against New Zealand
New Delhi: Despite Rohit Sharma becoming the first Indian captain to lose a home Test series in 12 years, his friend and former opening partner Shikhar Dhawan believes the defeat to New Zealand should not be a cause for concern. Dhawan argues that it is unjust to question Rohit’s leadership following just one series loss, particularly given that he led India to victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup just six months prior.
“The pressure you all talk about isn’t something we feel. While there is pressure in the game, we don’t dwell on losses or wins; that’s part of the game,” Dhawan told IndiaToday.in. “I feel that’s neither a fair nor a practical approach toward anything,” he added, defending his captain and close friend.
Rohit Sharma’s captaincy faced scrutiny during the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, where he acknowledged a critical misjudgment of the pitch conditions. After opting to bat first, India suffered a historic collapse, being bowled out for their lowest-ever total (46) at home, marking their first loss to New Zealand in 36 years. The situation intensified when Rohit’s cautious approach on Day 1 in Pune drew criticism from notable figures in the cricketing community, including Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, and Simon Doull.
In Pune, Rohit Sharma’s decision to open with spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Washington Sundar appeared sound given the turn-friendly conditions. However, his defensive field placements allowed New Zealand’s batters to take advantage. This error echoed India’s difficulties in Bengaluru, where New Zealand’s pacers thrived on the rain-affected pitch, taking 17 of the 20 Indian wickets and securing an eight-wicket victory. The slow-turning pitch in Pune, meant to provide India an advantage, ultimately favored New Zealand, as Mitchell Santner led the spin attack with a ten-wicket haul across both innings, sealing a series victory for the visitors.
Following India’s first home series loss since 2012, Rohit Sharma finds himself on an unwanted list, becoming one of only two Indian captains in 41 years, alongside Kapil Dev, to lose three home Tests in a single calendar year. The comparisons to Dev’s struggles against the West Indies in 1983 have intensified the scrutiny. Nevertheless, Shikhar Dhawan urges a more comprehensive evaluation of Rohit Sharma’s leadership, highlighting the invaluable connection he nurtures within the team.
“As a cricketer, we don’t think that way. And Rohit is a great leader; it’s not just about winning and losing. There’s a bond, the team’s connection with its leader, and how much they look up to him,” Dhawan added.