Sanjay Bangar questions Rohit Sharma’s captaincy call during Gabba Test

Former India batter and coach Sanjay Bangar wasn’t happy with Rohit Sharma’s captaincy on day 3 of the Gabba Test. The Indian skipper removed Jasprit Bumrah from the attack just an over after he had dismissed Mitchell Starc for 18 runs. This was Bumrah’s 6th wicket of the game and his 50th scalp on Australian soil. 

Sanjay Bangar, who was on commentary duties on Star Sports, said, “You generally give another over to a bowler who has taken a wicket in his previous over. However, Jasprit Bumrah was not given one. He dismissed Starc to take his first wicket of the day but didn’t get another over.”

Rohit Sharma has been called out for his dubious calls in the last few matches. The 37-year-old’s captaincy was questioned after the 3-0 loss at home to New Zealand. Australia was bowled out for 445 in their 1st innings. Travis Head and Steve Smith’s centuries helped the home team reach 405 runs for the loss of 7 wickets on day two of the game. 

Ravi Shastri left confused with Rohit Sharma’s field placements

Former Indian skipper and coach Ravi Shastri was commenting when he was left stunned by India’s field placements. With Travis Head and Steve Smith going strong, team India seemed to give up on the game as runs began to flow with ease. 

Ravi Shastri said, “When you see the field set, that can cost you big time. I mentioned some time ago that the idea might be to contain and see if a wicket comes, but you are not going to contain Australia setting this field. With these two players playing the way they are, and Head in particular, looking to get a boundary every over.”

India’s former coach also said, “There is absolutely no doubt about that. He will get it. Then the problems start if five fielders are out at the boundary and he is still getting the boundary; he is getting seven or eight runs an over easily. The runs are there to be taken."

Michael Vaughan also questioned the tactics employed by Rohit Sharma as he said, “They don’t settle on a tactic for long enough. Are they trying to snick him off? Why don’t they try to bounce him out? Why don’t they go full and wide, pack the off side?"

Australian commentator Kerry O Keefe was heard saying, “I don’t think Rohit Sharma has had his best day as skipper. He will say the pitch was so good that we were just trying to control it with outfielders, but you had to pressure Australia and get them out.”