Team India’s ODI skipper Rohit Sharma, who officially announced his retirement from Test cricket on Wednesday, didn’t hold back while expressing his disappointment with the current state of sports journalism and commentary in India.
In a conversation with senior journalist Vimal Kumar, the “Hitman” voiced his concerns about the decline in the quality of discourse surrounding the game.
Rohit Takes A Dig
Taking a direct shot at both media houses and commentators, Rohit said the focus has shifted dramatically from in-depth cricket analysis to sensationalism and headline-chasing. “Earlier, discussions revolved around strategies and player performance. Today, it’s more about generating clicks, likes, and blowing stories out of proportion,” Rohit remarked.
He went on to criticize television commentators as well, suggesting that they have moved away from offering meaningful insights during broadcasts. “These days, when you watch a match, just pay attention to how commentators speak. There’s barely any focus on tactics or cricketing nuances anymore,” he said.
Rohit Questions Broadcaster’s Obsession With Single Player
Rohit further alleged that Indian broadcasters tend to obsess over a single popular player, often diving into aspects of their personal lives rather than celebrating team performances or cricketing brilliance. According to the veteran opener, this trend is failing the passionate Indian cricket fan who genuinely wants to understand and appreciate the finer aspects of the sport.
He acknowledged that the team is not beyond criticism and admitted that India’s poor performance against New Zealand at home warranted harsh feedback. “Criticism is part of the game, and we’ve not always played to our potential. But there’s a way to deliver criticism. What we see now feels more like agenda-driven narratives than fair commentary,” he stated.
Rohit isn’t the only seasoned cricketer who has been vocal about this issue. His long-time teammate and star batter Virat Kohli has also previously raised concerns about the lack of quality and objectivity in Indian commentary circles.
While Rohit’s criticism stirred headlines, tributes also poured in following his Test retirement announcement. From the man who handed him his debut cap to the players he mentored as captain, many paid glowing tributes to his influence in the longest format. Over a 12-year red-ball career, Rohit played 67 Tests and captained India in 24 of them, leaving behind a strong legacy of leadership and consistency at the top of the order.
MI’s Next Match Under Clouds
As he moves forward from red-ball cricket, Rohit remains an integral figure in India’s white-ball setup. He will be seen next leading the Mumbai Indians against the Punjab Kings on Sunday, May 11. The match, initially scheduled in Dharamsala, has been relocated to Ahmedabad following the closure of airports in northern India due to escalating India-Pakistan border tensions.
Also Read: IPL 2025: Ahmedabad Tipped To Host PBKS Vs MI Clash On May 11 Due To THIS Reason!
