India captain Rohit Sharma has come under fire after directing his fury, rather than support, towards young gun Yashasvi Jaiswal after a key drop in Australia’s second innings in the Boxing Day Test.

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With the Aussies reeling after a 4-11 collapse in the space of 22 balls, India was hoping to strike against the last recognised batter in the hosts’ line-up.

But when Marnus Labuschagne nicked it to Jaiswal in the slips on 46, a relatively simple catch was dropped by the youngster, marking his second blunder of the day.

Rohit’s reaction was a furious one, immediately throwing his arm in frustration and then staring down Jaiswal.

Bowler Akash Deep reacted angrily as well, showing a pattern of a lack of support amongst the Indian players towards their promising young teammate, but it was the experienced captain who was criticised by multiple experts.

“I’ve got to be honest, I don’t like that reaction from the Indian skipper,” Mike Hussey said on Fox Cricket.

“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 gonna 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.”

Aussie star Alyssa Healy added: “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.”

Unfortunately for Jaiswal, he dropped another much tougher chance just before tea, playing in close but failing to get his hands down to dismiss Pat Cummins.

Rohit had moments earlier told his young charge to “stay low”. His reaction was more muted this time, but he still stared blankly at Jaiswal.

It comes amid a frustrating period for the captain, who has recorded scores of 3, 10, 6 and 3 during this series after missing the opening win in Perth.

Former state-level wicketkeeper Darren Berry tweeted: “You gotta feel for the kid Jaiswal has dropped 3 catches today. He might have dropped 3 crucial chances, the game & the series.

“His only answer is a match winning innings when his chance comes later today for India. Needs a pat on the back from his senior players not berated.”‍️