Rohit Sharma's Pull Shot Fails Him Against Australia

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: India's skipper Rohit Sharma's iconic pull shot has let him down on DAY 2 of the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), leaving his form and captaincy under scrutiny.

The 34-year-old batsman, known for his gifted batting skills across formats, tried an unconvincing one-leg halfhearted pull off Australian bowler Pat Cummins in the second over of India's innings. The top-edge of the shot was comfortably taken by mid-on fielder and marked Rohit's demise with just 3 runs on the board.

Rohit's dismissals continued his struggles at the crease, bringing his total Test runs this series to a mere 22. Ex-Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who is renowned for his mastery of the pull shot, was scathing in his assessment of Rohit's failed attempt. "That's just a lazy, not switched on, not up for the moment type of shot," he said on Channel Seven.

Ponting suggested that Rohit needs to be more committed and aggressive during crucial matches against formidable bowling attacks. "You have to be switched on and making good decisions when facing this type of attack... they will knock you over every time if you're not focused."

Former Australian cricketer Darren Lehmann echoed similar sentiments, advising Rohit to "hit it, hit it" rather than playing a tentative shot. Michael Vaughan, former England captain, went even further in criticizing Rohit for his lackluster dismissal, calling it "a really big mistake… it was a nothing shot."

Rohit's struggles with the bat have now become a major concern for India fans and experts alike. Unless he gets back to his top form soon, his batting woes may jeopardize India's chances in this series.