After months away from international cricket, Rohit Sharma is out of form, and nowhere was it more obvious than in Perth. Fans had been buzzing about his return, but instead of fireworks, it was a damp squib. An edge to Hazlewood for just eight runs, and that was that. The silence after his dismissal said it all. Perth isn’t the easiest place to bat, sure, but Rohit Sharma in Perth looked like a man not quite ready to face the music.
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Stirring the Pot：Is There Drama Behind the Scenes?
Of course, the internet did what the internet does. Whispers turned into full-blown speculation. Some fans began spinning the wild theory that Rohit’s poor form was intentional that maybe, just maybe, he underperformed on purpose. Why? To sabotage Shubman Gill as ODI captain in his very first outing as skipper. A bit of a stretch, perhaps, but this is Indian cricket we’re talking about.
Rohit Sharma dismissed for 8 runs. pic.twitter.com/Jg8c7uluW7
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 19, 2025
The idea behind the conspiracy goes like this: Rohit, recently relieved of captaincy duties despite an impressive record, might not be thrilled about being replaced. So, the theory goes, he “sends a message” by tanking his performance. It’s cricket’s version of workplace politics only with millions watching.
Gavaskar Calls It “No One’s That Foolish”
Thankfully, someone with a bit of sense and experience stepped in. Enter Sunil Gavaskar, who addressed the rumours head-on in his column for Sportstar. And he didn’t mince words:
“A significant misconception among Indian cricket fans is that if a player is replaced as captain, he will attempt to undermine the new captain by not performing to the best of his ability. Nothing can be further from the truth, for the simple fact is that if a captain has been replaced and then doesn’t perform, he could be out of the team altogether. So, no player, however aggrieved he may feel at losing the captaincy, is ever going to underperform deliberately.”
Well said, Sunny. Cricket isn’t a school play. Players aren’t risking their place just to prove a point. Rohit Sharma is out of form, yes, but that doesn’t mean he’s playing politics. At this stage in his career, with the World Cup 2027 in sight, every match matters. And let’s not forget: Shubman Gill as ODI captain isn’t just a symbolic change. He’s the real deal, with backing from the BCCI and the dressing room.
Popcorn and Chill
Still think there’s beef between the two? A quick look at the dressing room tells another story. During the rain delay in Perth, cameras caught Rohit Sharma in Perth chilling with Gill, sharing popcorn, having a laugh, and chatting away like old mates. Hardly the picture of a bitter ex-captain sulking in the corner.
“Arey bhai usse popcorn mat de”😂
Abhishek Nayar in Commentary box after seeing Rohit Sharma Eating Popcorn😃 pic.twitter.com/M4d44liTkI
— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) October 19, 2025
Yes, the popcorn scene did raise some eyebrows. Some joked that Rohit’s snack habits might not help his fitness goals especially since he’s been working hard to get leaner. But all in good humour. If anything, the moment proved that the so-called “rift” between them is more fan-fiction than fact.
Related Article：“Don’t Feed Him!” – Nayar Explodes Over Rohit Sharma’s Fitness
Rohit Sharma is a player with a pure heart. 🫀
Everyone is happy around him.💫👑💯
RO is not a player, he is a human being who has made a place in millions of hearts. 🫶❤️🌟 pic.twitter.com/44ILTu7Nct
— Mamta Jaipal (@ImMD45) October 19, 2025
In fact, before the match, Gill had nothing but praise for his seniors. “These are the kind of players I used to idolise when I was a kid,” he said. “It’s a big honour for me to lead such legends of the game.” That’s not just PR talk; it’s genuine admiration. As Shubman Gill as ODI captain settles into the role, having experienced heads like Rohit and Kohli around is more of a blessing than a threat.
A Bad Day, Not a Bad Blood
Look, no one’s pretending Rohit Sharma in Perth looked like vintage Hitman. And yes, Rohit Sharma is out of form, but these things happen. Especially in Aussie conditions, after a long break, and under the pressure of a changing team dynamic. But to say he threw the match? Come on. Let’s not forget this man has given more to Indian cricket than most. He’s got double hundreds to his name, an unbeaten World Cup run, and years of leadership behind him. He’s not throwing it all away just to mess with Shubman Gill as ODI captain.
Conclusion：Give It Time, Trust the Process
It’s one match. The start of a new chapter. Gill didn’t have a dream debut as captain, but there’s plenty more to come. And Rohit? He’ll bounce back because class is permanent, even when form is not. So let’s dial down the drama, enjoy the popcorn (in moderation), and let the cricket do the talking.
