India Shocking Test Loss to England Raises Questions on Rohit Sharma Captaincy

Despite securing a 190-run first innings lead India faced an unexpected defeat against England in the first Test in Hyderabad. This outcome, unusual in spin-friendly home conditions is considered one of England’s historic triumphs in Test history. Former England captain Michael Vaughan expressed the belief that under Virat Kohli’s captaincy India would not have succumbed as they did under Rohit Sharma’s leadership.

Virat withdrew from the first two Tests due to personal reasons and England seized the opening Test giving them a 1-0 lead in the series. Vaughan criticized Rohit’s captaincy stating he seemed to have “switched off,” while Virat’s proactive leadership might have made a significant difference. Vaughan particularly highlighted Rohit’s struggles in countering Ollie Pope’s sweeping tactics.

The second Test is set to commence on February 2 in Visakhapatnam where India will also be without KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja due to injuries.