Rohit Sharma Faces Backlash for Reaction to Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Dropped Catches in Boxing Day Test
Melbourne, Dec 29: India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, has come under scrutiny for his response to young teammate Yashasvi Jaiswal’s string of dropped catches during day four of the Boxing Day Test against Australia. Jaiswal, who has been solid in the third slip and gully positions, had an uncharacteristically poor outing in the field, letting slip three chances, including two on the fourth day of the match.
The first incident occurred when Jaiswal dropped Usman Khawaja on two at leg gully. Later, after Jasprit Bumrah picked up three quick wickets, Marnus Labuschagne edged a ball from Akash Deep to Jaiswal in the slips on 46, but he missed the chance, marking his second dropped catch of the day. Rohit’s immediate reaction to Jaiswal’s mistake was one of visible frustration; he threw his arms up in exasperation and glared at the young player, a gesture that did not go unnoticed.
Virat Kohli also exhibited irritation, and Akash Deep could be heard muttering expletives in frustration. However, it was Rohit’s body language that caught the most attention, particularly among former cricketers. Former Australian batter Mike Hussey expressed his displeasure at the Indian captain’s response, saying, “I’ve got to be honest, I don’t like that reaction from the Indian skipper. I appreciate he’s emotional, and he desperately wants wickets, but you’re the one who has to send the message of calm and support. No one means to drop a catch.”
Hussey stressed that Jaiswal, especially as a young player, did not need such a response after a mistake. “He’s gonna feel bad enough as it is for putting a catch down…you don’t need to see that as a young player,” Hussey added, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure in such situations.
Australia women’s captain Alyssa Healy also chimed in, suggesting that the Indian team should show more empathy towards Jaiswal, particularly as he would be crucial in India’s batting lineup later in the match. “Particularly when you need him to walk out and open the batting alongside you, to make some runs and try and win a Test match for your country,” she said.
Unfortunately for Jaiswal, he dropped another catch just before tea—this time of Australian skipper Pat Cummins. While Rohit’s reaction was more muted, he still gave the young player a pointed, blank stare, which did little to reassure critics who had already questioned his earlier display of frustration.
However, Rishabh Pant, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter, was praised for his supportive approach towards Jaiswal. On ABC Radio, former Australian coach Darren Lehmann highlighted Pant’s gentle handling of the situation, saying, “Rishabh Pant did well. He actually gave him a pat on the back and said ‘just hang in there, we all drop them’.” Lehmann contrasted this with the reactions of Rohit and Kohli, suggesting that the young player needed support, not further stress from senior players.
Former Victoria wicketkeeper Darren Berry also commented on Jaiswal’s predicament, noting that senior players needed to rally around him rather than berate him. “You gotta feel for the kid. Jaiswal has dropped 3 catches today. He might have dropped 3 crucial chances, the game & the series. His only answer is a match-winning innings when his chance comes later today for India. Needs a pat on the back from his senior players not berated,” Berry said in a post on X.
Jaiswal’s struggles with the catches have become a focal point in the ongoing Test, but his ability to redeem himself with the bat could prove crucial for India in the final stages of the match. With the pressure mounting, the support of his senior teammates may prove essential in helping the young cricketer bounce back from this challenging moment.
