IndiaTest captain Rohit Sharma He was noticeably absent from the playing XI for the fifth and final Test Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 In Sydney. Jasprit BumrahH, assumes the position of captain, It was reported that Rohit chose to sit out the game In the interest of the team. However, the omission of Rohit's name from BCCI's official Test squad list for the match points to the underlying issues. Rohit's absence paved the way for Shopman Gill Ro regaining his place in the XI, raising questions about the future of the veteran batsman's Test career.
Ravi Shastri's predictions: Possible retirement
Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri I was affected by the situation during Review of the International Criminal CourtWhich suggests that Rohit may announce his retirement from Test cricket after the ongoing series. Shastri pointed out,He will take a look at his career, but I wouldn't be shocked at all if Rohit retires. He's not getting any younger.”
Shastri highlighted the presence of promising players like Gill, who has a stellar average of over 40 in 2024 but has been underutilized during the series. He also emphasized that if India qualifies for World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 Final in England, Rohit may reconsider stepping down.
“There are other young players in the wings, there is Shubman Gill, a player of his quality who is averaging over 40 in 2024 and is not playing. He tricks your mind about what he is doing sitting on the bench and warming it up. So I wouldn't be surprised but that's his call. At the end of the day, If India has qualified for the World Test Championship (final) or if they are still qualified for the World Test Championship final is another thing entirely other than that, I think this might be the right time – but (if). Sharma played) so he should go out in a blaze of glory. Shastri concluded.
Read also: AUS vs IND: Ravi Shastri reveals why he didn't ask Jasprit Bumrah about Rohit Sharma during the SCG Test
Rohit's struggles and missed opportunities
Rohit Sharma's performance in the ongoing series has been below par, amplifying speculation about his Test future. In five innings of BGT, the Indian skipper has managed to score just 31 runs at a paltry average of 6.20. After missing the opening Test, Rohit failed to deliver an impactful innings in the following games. With the team's qualification for the World Trade Center Final suspended, their absence from the Sydney Test comes at a critical stage.
India face a must-win situation in the fifth Test to remain in contention for the WTC final. A win would see India overtake Australia and South Africa In the World Trade Center standings, while a loss or draw would likely confirm Australia's place in the final alongside South Africa. Australia currently leads the five-match series 2-1, putting huge pressure on India to pull off a series-tying win in Sydney.
