Captains who dropped themselves from playing XI amid series

Team India captain Rohit Sharma stunned fans and experts by stepping away from the playing XI for the Sydney Test against Australia in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Rohit was forced to do so due to his horrible form in the series. Acknowledging his struggles, Rohit chose to take a break, prioritizing the team’s chances of victory in the must-win game. Team’s premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah is leading the side in the match.

Well, Rohit is not the first Indian captain to drop himself from the playing XI. Apart from him, there are three other skippers, who also did the same for the benefit of the team amid a series.

Let’s have a look at those captains who sacrificed for the team’s cause…

Misbah-ul-Haq

Due to poor form, former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq dropped himself in the 3rd ODI during the ODI series against Australia in 2014.  All-rounder Shahid Afridi then took his place to lead the side.

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Dinesh Chandimal

Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal made a bold decision during the 2014 T20 World Cup when he dropped himself from the semifinal and the final. He gave the responsibility to team’s experienced player and premier cricketer Lasith Malinga. Subsequently, the team went on to clinch the title in that year.

Mike Denness

Due to poor performance, England captain Mike Denness dropped himself during the 1974 Ashes series. Thus he paved the way for Tony Greig to take over the responsibility.