Former Cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu believes Team India captain Rohit Sharma still has a lot of cricket left in him. He suggests that the veteran batter would retain his leadership position for the side’s upcoming five-match test series against England.
On this occasion, The Indian captain’s place in the red-ball came under scrutiny following a string of underwhelming performances in the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
The skipper even opted out of the final test in Sydney owing to his poor form. However, Navjot Sidhu pointed out that India doesn’t have a replacement for Rohit at the moment.
Navjot showcased the seasoned campaigner’s impressive test record in England.
“Tell me, who will you make the captain at the last moment, and who has given such a performance? Rohit Sharma was selfless and did not play a match, but did the other guy come in and score 150 there?
You should have a replacement first. Experience is learned in the school of adversity. How will you replace Rohit Sharma? Look at his record in England. See how many hundreds he has there. Maturity lies in this: preserve the old and know the new,” said Navjot Singh.
Navjot Singh Sidhu suggests that the 37 year old must be the captain for the England tour, after leading India to two ICC titles.
“Rohit Sharma will be the captain and he only should be the captain. Should Rohit Sharma climb the bamboo? What more should he do? Will you test someone like this who has won you two ICC trophies?” Navjot added.
The former batter Navjot also emphasized the importance of experienced players like Rohit, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul till the 2027 World cup.
“Till the 2027 World Cup, you will have to make a mix of the experience of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and the exuberance of someone like Nitish Reddy, Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav. Until you do not make this mix, you cannot select a good team,” remarked Sidhu.
Rohit was amassed 368 runs across eight innings at an impressive average of 52.57. After Champions Trophy 2025 triumph, Navjot Singh Sidhu reckoned that Gambhir’s real challenge would be the test series against England.
“This will be a litmus test. He has to go through a tough time. That’s why that man is fully prepared. At least he wants to try. Only those who try are successful. Those who sit with folded hands feel the success of others.” concluded Navjot Sidhu.
The five-match test series between India and England will kick off in Headingley on June 20.
