Kirti Azad says Rohit Sharma will be missed as a leader in opening Test of Border-Gavaskar series against Australia

1983 World Cup-winning player Kirti Azad reckons Rohit Sharma will be missed as a leader in the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia. Sharma will miss the first Test of the series after becoming a father for the second time.

Rohit has done a fine job as a leader but India lost the three-match Test series under his captaincy against New Zealand despite playing at home. The veteran also could not deliver with the bat as he managed only 91 runs in three games at an average of 15.17. 

Moreover, he could only score 42 runs in two Test matches against Bangladesh at an average of 10.50. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the team in the opening Test against Australia.

Kirti Azad said in an interview with Times of India, “Nobody is weak or strong by one player. But yes, Rohit, being the captain, has led from the front, he will be missed.”

Azad believes Rohit’s poor form with the bat is also a cause of concern for the team.

“Yes. It’s a point of worry. And since he’s been the captain for a long time, nobody’s indispensable. But then again, he is the most important cog in the wheel as far as the Indian team is concerned. So we expect him to do well,” Azad opined.

Azad played under the captaincy of legendary Kapil Dev and he recalled that the all-rounder’s captaincy was never hampered by his individual performance.

“I played with Kapil Dev, one of the greatest all-rounders in the world. Captaincy never hampered his performances. It depends on the situation. If your team is playing well, and your changes give you results, then you’re a good captain. If it doesn’t give you results, then you’re a bad captain,” the former cricketer elaborated.

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma has scored 708 runs in 12 Test matches against Australia at an average of 33.71 and he will look to hit the ground running against the Aussies.

The opening Test match between India and Australia will be played at Perth from November 22 onwards.