Unreal Hate and PR Agenda Against Rohit Sharma: A Closer Look Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Unreal Hate and PR Agenda Against Rohit Sharma: A Closer Look

India kickstarted the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 with an impressive victory, defeating Australia by 295 runs in the opening Test at Perth. Despite this historic win, India’s performance in the Pink-ball Test at Adelaide Oval was lackluster, ending in a 10-wicket loss.

However, what truly drew attention was the unexpected media onslaught targeting India Captain Rohit Sharma. Various media personalities, channels, and social media users critiqued Sharma for almost every aspect of the loss. This trend isn't new, as previously, driven statements forced Rohit to step down from his opening spot for KL Rahul, despite his consistent success as an opener.

Rohit Sharma's Leadership Under Scrutiny

When considering past captains, Virat Kohli faced defeats in England (2018), South Africa (2018), New Zealand (2020), and South Africa (2021) but was never subjected to the same level of criticism. Notably, India’s last Pink Ball Test in Australia in 2020, under Kohli, ended with India being bowled out for 36. Despite such setbacks, Kohli was seldom scrutinized like Rohit Sharma is today, suggesting a concerted PR effort to undermine the current captain.

Debate Over Rohit Sharma's Batting Position

Legendary cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Ricky Ponting discussed Rohit Sharma’s batting order during the second Test against Australia in Adelaide. Rohit, who missed the series opener in Perth, batted at number 6 to accommodate KL Rahul. Gavaskar supported this decision, while Ponting disagreed, arguing that Rohit should remain at the top.

Ponting noted, “KL Rahul has been a fringe player around this team for years. Rohit Sharma should open the batting. The only spot for Rohit Sharma now seems to be number 6, which might be where he stays for the rest of his career.”

KL Rahul's Test Performance

Over the past five years, KL Rahul's performance in Test cricket has been subpar, yet media narratives portray him as a superior batter compared to Rohit Sharma. Rahul has only scored nine fifty-plus innings during this period, which highlights his struggles.

PR Agenda Against Rohit Sharma

It appears that a coordinated PR agenda is actively working against Rohit Sharma. Various media outlets and social media influencers have consistently highlighted his shortcomings while downplaying his successes. This campaign seems to be aimed at undermining his credibility and position as India's cricket captain. The consistency and intensity of these attacks suggest a well-orchestrated effort rather than spontaneous criticism.

Reports indicate that certain PR agencies might be influencing sports media narratives to favor specific players over Rohit Sharma. By selectively promoting positive stories about his competitors and emphasizing negative aspects of his performances, these agencies create a skewed public perception. This tactic not only affects Sharma's reputation but also impacts team morale and fan support.

Impact on Team Dynamics

This targeted campaign has led to unnecessary pressure on Rohit Sharma, affecting his performance and decision-making on the field. Team dynamics have also suffered, as players are constantly under scrutiny, leading to an environment of insecurity and mistrust. The favoritism shown towards players like KL Rahul and Virat Kohli further exacerbates these issues, as it disrupts the natural selection process based on merit.

Moreover, this agenda-driven narrative creates a divisive atmosphere among fans. Instead of rallying behind their captain and team, fans are split into factions, each supporting their preferred players. This division weakens the unified support that the team needs, especially during crucial series like the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Conclusion

The ongoing PR campaign against Rohit Sharma is not just an attack on an individual but a detrimental force against the entire Indian cricket team. It is essential for stakeholders in Indian cricket to recognize these manipulative tactics and support their captain. By focusing on performance and merit rather than media-driven narratives, the team can foster a healthier, more cohesive environment.