Workout
Meditation
Contact Us
During the draw for the fifth test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground, former Indian cricket coach Ravi Shastri shed light on why he did not question the substitute captain jasprit bumrah on the absence of the titular captain Rohit Sharma.
The draw and the composition of the team.
At the toss, Bumrah opted to bat first, a decision taken in the absence of Rohit, who opted to rest during the match. The pitch, covered in grass under an overcast sky, suggested an auspicious day for bowling, but Bumrah’s choice was clear. He also announced that Rohit had decided not to participate, allowing Shubman Gill to return to alignment.
Sanjay Manjrekar raises questions
Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar expressed his astonishment at the absence of direct questions about Rohit during the toss. He emphasized that fans, who are integral to the sport’s popularity, deserve clarity on such decisions. Manjrekar was surprised that Rohit’s situation – whether he was rested, down or unavailable – was not addressed during the toss, which he believes should have been a priority issue. Criticizing this lack of openness, he referred to it as a “cloak and dagger” approach, highlighting the need for better communication with the cricket community.
“We have to share with the fans who have made cricket the great game that India is. When you see Bumrah coming out, the first thought that comes to your mind is what happened to Rohit Sharma? Have you opted out? Have they dropped it? I was surprised that they didn’t ask for anything in the draw. I have done the launch several times. That would have been the first question after asking him what are you doing? I don’t understand this cloak and dagger that there is in Indian cricket.” Manjrekar said on Star Sports.
Also WATCH: AUS vs IND: Rishabh Pant takes multiple body blows after being attacked by Australian bowlers on Day 1 of SCG Test
Ravi Shastri gives his clarification
Shastri revealed that he couldn’t ask Bumrah about Rohit’s absence because Bumrah proactively addressed him at the toss. Bumrah explained that Rohit had opted out, believing that the team would be stronger with Gill’s inclusion. Shastri added that such decisions are often due to a player being out of form, mentally unstable or lacking runs, shedding light on Rohit’s selfless choice to prioritize the team’s needs over personal considerations.
“Before I could ask him (Jasprit Bumrah), he said the captain opted out and said the team would be stronger if Shubman Gill played. It can happen when you are in a bad mood, mentally you are not there and you have no races under your belt.” Shastri said.
Also WATCH: Steve Smith reacts after third umpire overturns his catch of Virat Kohli on Day 1 of SCG Test – AUS vs IND
