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Xtra Time Web Desk: Former Australian cricketer Ian Chappell has delivered scathing criticism of Indian captain Rohit Sharma for his batting struggles and what he termed as "confusing captaincy" during the ongoing Brisbane Test. Writing in his column after Day 2, Chappell expressed disappointment with India's performance, particularly Rohit's decisions on the field and his conservative batting approach.

The visitors started the day strongly, reducing Australia to 75/3 in the morning session. However, centuries from Travis Head and Steve Smith turned the tide in Australia's favor, with India unable to sustain the pressure.

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Ravi Shastri, former India head coach, also took aim at Rohit's tactics, labeling his defensive field placements for Travis Head as "one of the worst setups." Speaking on air, Shastri criticized the lack of pressure created, with open spaces allowing easy singles. Australian batter David Warner echoed Shastri's sentiments, suggesting that India should have adopted a more attacking approach against Head.

Ian Chappell was even more forthright in his assessment, calling Rohit's captaincy "occasionally confusing" and urging him to adopt a more aggressive style. "His struggles with the bat were only matched by his occasionally confusing captaincy. He appeared to be conservative in both endeavours in Adelaide, but a more aggressive approach may jolt him out of his malaise," Chappell remarked.

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Chappell also highlighted the challenge posed by Travis Head's aggressive batting. He criticized pacer Mohammed Siraj for his over-the-top celebrations after dismissing Head, suggesting that it only fueled the batter's determination. "The ultra-aggressive Travis Head proved that India have not found an answer to his extravagant shot-making. His confrontation with Mohammed Siraj showed that theatrical (and expensive) send-offs aren't the answer, especially when Head has already scored 140," Chappell noted.

To counter Head's dominance, Chappell advised India to implement better field placements and more strategically aggressive bowling. "India need to find a way to seriously challenge Head with appropriate field placings and sensibly aggressive bowling. In his current form, he's capable of quickly putting Australia in a position of strength," Chappell concluded.

The criticism has intensified scrutiny on Rohit Sharma's leadership as India looks to bounce back in the Test.