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Indiatest captain Rohit Sharma was notably absent from the playing XI for the fifth and final test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 in Sydney. Jasprit Bumrahh, intervening as captain, stated that Rohit had opted out of the game in the best interest of the team. However, the omission of Rohit’s name from the official BCCI Test squad list for the match hinted at underlying issues. Rohit’s absence paved the way for Shubman Gill tor regain his place in the XI, raising questions over the future of the veteran batsman’s Test career.
Ravi Shastri’s prediction: a possible retirement
Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri commented on the situation during The ICC reviewsuggesting that Rohit could announce his retirement from Test cricket after the ongoing series. Shastri commented: “He will make a decision about his career, but I won’t be surprised at all if Rohit retires. “He’s not getting any younger.”
Shastri highlighted the presence of promising players like Gill, who boasts a stellar 40-plus average in 2024 but has been underutilized during the series. He also emphasized that if India qualifies for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final in England, Rohit could reconsider his departure.
“There are other young players on the wings, there is Shubman Gill, a player of his quality with an average of more than 40 years in the year 2024 and who does not play. Trick your brain about what it’s doing sitting on the bench and warming it up. So it won’t surprise me, but it’s your decision. At the end of the day, if India had qualified for the World Test Championship (Final) or if they still qualify for the World Test Championship Final, then it is another matter. Otherwise, I think the timing could be right, but (if Sharma plays) he should go out in a blaze of glory.” Shastri concluded.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Ravi Shastri reveals why he didn’t ask Jasprit Bumrah about Rohit Sharma during the bowling at the SCG Test
Rohit’s struggles and missed opportunities
Rohit Sharma’s performance in the ongoing series has been below par, amplifying speculations about his Test future. In five BGT innings, the Indian captain managed to score only 31 runs at a measly average of 6.20. After missing the initial Test, Rohit failed to make impactful innings in the following games. With the team’s qualification for the WTC final at stake, his absence from the Sydney Test comes at a critical time.
India faces a must-win situation in the fifth Test to remain in the race for the WTC final. A win would see India potentially overtake Australia and South Africa in the WTC 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 immense pressure on India to achieve a series-leveling victory in Sydney.
Also READ: Twitter reactions: Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc shine for Australia as India collapse to 185 on Day 1 of Sydney Test
