Rohit Sharma ordered to play in England Test series as a captain

India's captain Rohit Sharma might have led his team to a Champions Trophy win but his spot in India's Test team is still not confirmed. Rohit has endured a lean path in red-ball cricket in the past year or so which hasn't helped his cause.

However, former Australia captain Michael Clarke feels that Rohit Sharma should lead India in the upcoming Test series against England, which is due to begin in July after the conclusion of the IPL.

Clarke also suggested the position that would suit Rohit in Test cricket but backed him to play as an opener. The legendary Australian captain also backed India to beat England if they have all their players available.

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Michael Clarke backs Rohit Sharma to play in England

While speaking to RevSportz, Michael Clarke backed Rohit Sharma to go to England as India's captain. Clarke feels that Rohit will regain his Test form in the series and will be amongst the runs.

"I think Rohit Sharma should go to England for India's sake - I think he should be the Captain, he should go to England & I think he will perform," said Clarke.

Micheal Clarke said "I think Rohit Sharma should go to England for India's sake - I think he should be the Captain, he should go to England & I think he will perform". [RevSportz] pic.twitter.com/dhMO83UEKr

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 2, 2025

Not only his batting form, there are questions over Rohit's captaincy as well. Under his leadership, India were whitewashed by New Zealand in a Test series at home after more than a decade.

The Men in Blue also lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia under Rohit's captaincy. With the Test series in England being India's next assignment in red-ball cricket, there are questions about Rohit that need to be answered.

Also Read: BCCI Central Contracts: Board makes a final decision on Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer

Michael Clarke on Rohit Sharma's ideal spot in Test cricket

During the conversation, Michael Clarke revealed that Rohit Sharma's ideal position will be No. 5 in Test cricket because of his ability to play both pace and spin well. He also feels that India can win in England if they manage to have their experienced quicks Bumrah and Shami fully fit.

"He would be the perfect No. 5 in Test cricket. He plays the quicks well if he walks out to bat if you are three (down) for not many runs. He plays the short ball well and he takes the spinners on," Clarke noted.

"So, I think he would be the ideal No. 5 but I know he loves opening the batting and I know he has had success doing so. I honestly think if (Jasprit) Bumrah is fit and (Mohammed) Shami is fit, India can win the series in England," he added.

🚨 #MichaelClarke Exclusive

"He is a match-winner; an X-Factor" — @MClarke23 backs #KuldeepYadav for #ENGvIND series

"I think he should go to England and be the captain" — on #RohitSharma

"His wicketkeeping is worth 10 times what Chennai is paying him" — on #MSDhoni

The… pic.twitter.com/7QMNWMsiG1

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) April 2, 2025

Rohit Sharma's recent Test form

In the five home Tests played against Bangladesh and New Zealand last year, Rohit managed just 133 runs at an average of 13.30 with the best of 52. His batting form reflected in his captaincy too as he was left clueless on several occasions, especially against New Zealand.

Rohit endured a severe dip in form during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy later. He scored 31 runs in three Tests at an average of just 6.20. Due to his poor form, he had to drop himself for the last Test in Sydney.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma issued serious warning after poor start to the IPL 2025 campaign for Mumbai Indians