‘He himself will think that maybe he doesn't have the ability’ - Sunil Gavaskar not happy with Rohit Sharma’s demotion against New Zealand

Team India’s chances of qualifying for the T20 World Cup 2021 semi-finals have become thinner after suffering a humiliating eight-wicket defeat against New Zealand. Having lost to Pakistan by 10 wickets in their first fixture, Virat Kohli’s men were expected to bounce back against the Kiwis. However, nothing went right for the Men in Blue as New Zealand chased down 111 in mere 14.3 overs.

Needless to mention, the Indian team earned criticism from different parts as they got entirely outplayed by the Blackcaps. Several questions were also raised over their strategies and team combination. One of the many questionable decisions India took in the match was promoting Ishan Kishan to the opening slot and dropping Rohit Sharma to the number three position.

Kishan, who played some scintillating knocks at the top of the order lately, replaced injured Suryuakumar Yadav for this fixture. While the southpaw was expected to play in the middle-order, he opened the innings alongside KL Rahul. This move raised several eyebrows as Rohit, only batter to hit four T20I centuries, is one of the finest openers in the history of white-ball cricket.

Rohit Sharma has been told that we don’t trust you facing Trent Boult: Sunil Gavaskar

The controversial move didn’t work for India as Kishan got out after scoring four off eight deliveries. At the same time, Rohit scored a run-a-ball 14 while batting at number three. Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar was left bemused by the move as he felt this decision might have dented Rohit’s confidence.

“Ishan Kishan is a hit-or-miss player and it is better if a batsman like him walks in number 4 or number 5. He could then play according to the situation of the game. Now what has happened is that Rohit Sharma has been told that we don’t trust you to face the left-arm fast bowling of Trent Boult,” the Indian cricket legend told India Today.

“If you do that to a player who has been playing at a position for so many years, he himself will think that maybe he doesn’t have the ability. If Ishan Kishan had made 70-odd runs we would have applauded. But when the ploy doesn’t work, you are going to be criticized”, he added.