Rohit Sharma ‘deliberately underperforming’ under Shubman Gill? India legend fires back

India’s star openers had a forgettable start to the three-match ODI series against Australia in Perth on Sunday. Rohit Sharma managed just eight runs, while Virat Kohli was dismissed for a duck, as India lost the first match by seven wickets under the DLS method. The game also marked a new chapter in Indian cricket, with Shubman Gill taking over as the ODI captain, leading both veteran batters for the first time.

Rohit’s low score sparked a flurry of speculation on social media, with some fans suggesting that the senior right-hander might have deliberately underperformed to challenge Gill’s authority as the new captain. These theories quickly went viral, drawing reactions from fans around the world.


However, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar firmly dismissed such claims, stressing that no player would risk underperforming intentionally, as it could jeopardise their place in the team.

“In Indian cricket, there’s a persistent myth that a player who loses the captaincy might underperform to undermine the new skipper,” Gavaskar wrote in his Sportstar column. “Nothing could be further from the truth. If a former captain doesn’t perform, he could be out of the team entirely. No player, regardless of personal feelings, would deliberately throw a game.”

Gavaskar also highlighted that having experienced leaders like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the squad is a huge advantage for a young captain like Shubman Gill. The duo’s presence provides mentorship and guidance, which can help the new captain navigate his debut series.

“Questions have been raised about whether Gill can handle two former captains in his team. But he has made it clear that his relationship with Rohit and Virat hasn’t changed with his new role,” Gavaskar added. “In fact, having them around is a bonus. Both are willing to offer advice when needed, and there’s no better support for a debutant captain than two of India’s greatest ODI players by his side.”

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