Michael Hussey, Alyssa Healy blast Rohit Sharma for abusing Yashasvi Jaiswal over dropped catches at MCG

India’s Boxing Day Test hopes were dealt a crushing blow as Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped a simple catch that could have broken Australia’s resistance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

In the 40th over, with Australia struggling at 4-11, Marnus Labuschagne, on 46, flicked a ball from Akash Deep towards the gully, where Yashasvi Jaiswal failed to grasp the routine catch at a comfortable height.

The frustration was palpable as the Indian cricket team was desperate to capitalize on Australia’s collapse in the ongoing fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Melbourne. But it wasn’t just the dropped catch that stirred reactions from the fans and cricket experts.

Rohit Sharma's outburst at Yashasvi Jaiswal raises questions about leadership inthe Boxing Day Test

Actually, Indian captain Rohit Sharma, visibly furious, expressed his anger towards Yashasvi Jaiswal instead of offering support to the young cricketer. Throwing his arm up in frustration and staring down at the young opener, Rohit Sharma's reaction left fans and experts stunned.

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Additionally, Akash Deep was also seen showing his infuriation after Rohit Sharma. Notably, it was Jaiswal’s second blunder on Day 4, dropping Usman Khawaja as well earlier. Meanwhile, Rohit’s harsh response drew widespread criticism, with many questioning the Indian captain’s leadership style and whether he should have been more supportive of the promising young talent.

Reacting to the incident, Australia's Michael Hussey and Alyssa Healy criticized Rohit Sharma's reaction after Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped a catch in the Boxing Day Test against Australia.

I don’t like that reaction from the Indian skipper: Michael Hussey

The former Australian cricketer acknowledged that Rohit’s emotions were high, as he wanted wickets, but he stressed that as the captain, Rohit should set an example by remaining calm and supportive.

Hussey pointed out that no one intends to drop a catch, and Jaiswal would already feel bad about the mistake, especially with someone like Marnus Labuschagne at the other end. He believes that a young player like Jaiswal doesn’t need such a harsh reaction.

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Michael Hussey was quoted as saying by Fox Cricket, “I’ve got to be honest; I don’t like that reaction from the Indian skipper. I appreciate he’s emotional, and he desperately wants wickets, but you’re the one who has to send the message of calm and support. No one means to drop a catch. He’s going to feel bad enough as it is for putting a catch down, especially someone like Marnus Labuschagne; it happens quickly; it’s in, it’s out. You don’t need to see that as a young player.”

Alyssa Healy criticizes Rohit Sharma’s reaction to Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dropped catch

On the other hand, Australia Women captain Alyssa Healy also reacted to the incident, emphasizing the importance of having the right mindset when working together as teammates. She pointed out that, especially in a Test match, it’s crucial for the team to rely on each other.

Alyssa Healy stated, “Particularly when you need him to walk out and open the batting alongside you, to make some runs and try and win a Test match for your country.”

Notably, Jaiswal’s drop proved costly for Team India as Marnus Labuschagne went on to hammer 70 runs to help Australia take a 300+ run lead in the ongoing Boxing Day Test at the MCG.