Mumbai Test: Rohit Sharma criticized for ‘hasty and unnecessary’ shot after another failure

India captain Rohit Sharma inexplicably bowled an early exit in the final innings of the third Test against New Zealand in Mumbai on Sunday. Rohit was criticized by renowned commentator Ian Smith for playing a “hasty, unnecessary and reckless shot” on Day 3 of the Test match when India needed their captain to guide them in a tough chase of 147.

Rohit Sharma bowled just 11 overs in the middle after getting out to open the batting with Shubman Gill in the first session. Rohit survived a rash delivery early in his innings when he tried to hit fast bowler Matt Henry’s bouncer towards the stands. The top edge flew over the midfielder.

IND vs NZ, Mumbai Test Day 3 Updates

Rohit failed to learn his lesson as he bowled another shot against Mett Henry in the third round. The green did not go the way of the India skipper, who was caught by New Zealand star Glenn Phillips.

Ian Smith said on air: “It was rash. It was unnecessary and ugly. He got a warning when he mistimed his shot early on.”

“It wasn’t that bad of a delivery. It was short. After the catch, Matt Henry pointed to his captain and said ‘our plan worked’,” he added.

Rohit Sharma has been more reckless than brave in the ongoing domestic test season. This heavily scrutinized approach has seen him throw away wickets and lead to loss of control at crucial stages of Test matches.

Rohit ended the three-Test series with just 91 runs after six innings.

India received more bad news on Sunday; because they were down to 29 for 5 and lost their big guns cheaply in the first hour of the day. Virat Kohli was dismissed by Ajaz Patel for 1, while Shubman Gill saw his stumps removed after shouldering his arms.

Sarfaraz Khan avoided the Shah Double, but hit the full delivery directly into the hands of the deep, fine-legged fielder. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who tried to survive the attack, was dismissed by off-spinner Glenn Phillips.