Rohit Sharma is past his best, he makes pretty cameos: Geoffrey Boycott

Legendary cricketer Geoffrey Boycott has called out India skipper Rohit Sharma after England humbled the hosts in the first Test in Hyderabad. India’s batting unit failed to put up a show in the second innings of the match, resulting in a 28-run defeat against the Ben Stokes-led side. Notably, Rohit failed to convert his starts into a big total as managed to score 24 and 39 runs respectively in both innings. 

Speaking about the same, Boycott mentioned that the opener is past his prime and only makes pretty cameos. The 83-year-old also stated that the Indian team are weak in the fielding department and pointed out that they have missed Virat Kohli in the opening Test and Ravindra Jadeja’s absence will hurt the team in the second Test in Vizag.

“Their captain Rohit Sharma is nearly 37 and past his best. He makes pretty cameos but has only scored two Test hundreds at home in four years. They are also weak in the field. This India team is ripe for the taking, and England have a golden chance to be the first side to topple them on their own patch for 12 years. India badly miss Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja has a hamstring injury and will not play the second Test,” Boycott wrote in his column for The Telegraph.

“Jadeja is a huge blow. He is a great all-rounder, top bowler, brilliant fielder and was their best batsman in the first Test. Kohli is their talisman,” he added.

England must make the most of it before Kohli comes back: Boycott

The former cricketer recalled Kohli’s contribution to India in Test cricket and stated that the visitors must take advantage of his absence. Notably, the 35-year-old has pulled out from the first two Test matches of the series, citing personal reasons and is expected to make his return in the third Test in Ranchi.

“He is a magnificent batsman who averages 60 on Indian pitches, but he also gives them great energy in the field. He is a big loss, and England must make the most of it before he comes back for the third Test,” Boycott said.