If you don't score fifty in 14 matches, questions will be raised: Kapil Dev opens up on Rohit Sharma's form

Ahead of India's marquee tour against England, 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev raised questions over Indian captain Rohit Sharma's batting form. The Mumbai Indians skipper had a season to forget in the 2022 Indian Premier League as his franchise finished last on the table and he did not register even a single half-century.

TN Sports Desk

Updated Jun 24, 2022, 20:59 IST

Kapil Dev raised concerns over Rohit Sharma's form |Courtesy-IANS/AP

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Rohit Sharma did not get a single half-century in IPL 2022
Rohit-led Mumbai Indians finished last in the table
Both Rohit and Virat Kohli were rested for home series against South Africa

Ahead of India's upcoming multi-format tour of England, a lot of attention will be on the form of senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both the former Indian skipper and the current all-format captain of the national team struggled for runs in the recently concluded 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL).

As both players were rested for the home T20I series against South Africa, their run of form remains a major doubt ahead of the massive one-off Test match against England starting on July 1 at Edgbaston. India's 1983 World Cup winning skipper has raised concern over Rohit's form and claimed that when you do not score a half-century in 14 games, questions are bound to be asked.

“The player (Rohit) is brilliant, no question about that. But if you don’t score a fifty in 14 matches, questions will be raised, be it Gary Sobers, Don Bradman, Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar or Viv Richards. Only Rohit can answer that what’s happening. Is it too much (cricket) or has he stopped enjoying it?" said Kapil on Youtube channel Uncut.

“Players like Rohit and Virat (Kohli) should enjoy the game. How they feel is very important (for their performances)." added the ex-Indian skipper.

Kapil also questioned Rohit and Virat's decision to take rest from the India-South Africa series. The legendary all-rounder asserted if they are resting, where are they going to get a chance to play. He also stated that ultimately performance will have to speak as reputation cannot take you too far.

“You have to score runs (to get back in form). You cannot go too far based on reputation alone. Eventually, the opportunities will get dried up. How many chances would you need after 14 games? Can’t understand why they’re rested. If dropped, where they will get a chance to play then? It’s quite difficult to see how they play now," concluded Kapil

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