New Delhi: Former South African cricketer Daryll Cullinan has stirred up controversy with his critical view of Indian captain Rohit Sharma. Describing Sharma as a “flat-track bully,” Cullinan raised questions about Sharma’s performance and future in cricket. This statement highlights an ongoing discussion about Rohit’s abilities, particularly when faced with difficult conditions.
Cullinan didn’t hold back in his remarks about Rohit’s fitness, labeling him as overweight and out of shape. This critique comes as Sharma gears up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. The contrast with his teammate Virat Kohli, known for his dedication to fitness, only intensifies the focus on Sharma’s health.
“Look at Rohit, then at Virat. Notice the difference in their physical condition. Rohit is overweight, and not a long-term cricketer anymore. Rohit is not in a good physical condition for the hard grind of a four or a five-match Test series,” Cullinan told Insidesport.
Rohit’s recent performances have been disappointing, especially since India’s Test season at home in September. He has managed just one fifty in his last twelve Test outings, and his batting average has fallen to 41.54, reaching its lowest in six years. This decline raises concerns about his ability to perform under pressure, particularly as he takes on a middle-order role following a change in the batting order.
In a recent match against Australia, Rohit was moved to No. 6, a notable shift that did not bring about positive outcomes. He scored a mere 3 and 6 in two innings, leading to a 10-wicket loss, which made his difficulties obvious. This repositioning and poor performance stoke the dialogue surrounding his future in cricket.
“I will say it again. Rohit’s best at home but I just wonder if it is not going to backfire India, because they were not the same team in the second Test. I think Rohit is a flat-track bully. Let’s look at record outside India. Everytime he has been to South Africa, I’ve clearly got the feeling that he does not like the short ball.
“(I did not like) the fact that he’s in the middle-order now. He is an opener. He must come and lead from the front,” Cullinan remarked.
Daryll Cullinan’s remarks reveal a rising worry over Rohit Sharma’s form and fitness as he faces significant challenges ahead. With the cricketing world closely observing, Rohit has a chance to silence his critics and reclaim his form in the upcoming series.
