Last Updated: November 10, 2024 04:32 PM
Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja expressed concerns about captain Rohit Sharma’s fitness ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25). According to Jadeja, the Rohit-led Indian squad received a “wake-up call” before the eagerly awaited five-match Test series.
Rohit has faced criticism after India’s recent 0-3 series loss against New Zealand at home, where he struggled, scoring only 91 runs in six innings at an average of 15.17, with a top score of 52.
While concerned about Rohit’s fitness, Ajay Jadeja still backed him to lead India to a series victory against Australia. He added that India could still perform well in the upcoming series, even if they fall short of reaching the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2025.
“You get a wake-up call, like our team did now. We won the World Cup this year, [you’re] top of the world, you’re the best team and best captain. Rohit Sharma, I feel for him. Suddenly he is fat, he does not move well.”
“I think we’ll do well. We may not do as well as to make it to the World Test Championship final but I feel we should come back with a series win. We are a better side,” Jadeja commented during the Sportstar Sports Conclave.
To secure a spot in the WTC final, India must win the series against Australia 4-0, avoiding dependency on other teams’ results in the current cycle.
Jadeja also highlighted India’s increased familiarity with Australian conditions, which strengthens their chances. Reflecting on past tours, he noted that India used to tour Australia infrequently, but the current players are now more accustomed to the conditions with multiple tours.
“Our cricket has changed; earlier India went there once in eight years, so there were just one or two players who had played there. Now you have multiple tours, so they are well-equipped. When you have nothing to lose, you will be dangerous,” the 53-year-old added.
The first Test of the series is set for Perth Stadium on November 22, but Rohit’s participation in this match is uncertain due to personal reasons. India’s 18-man squad for the series notably excludes veteran pacer Mohammed Shami.
