• Indian captain Jasprit Bumrah described Rohit Sharma's absence from the Sydney Test as a strategic call from team management.

  • Former Australian cricketer Mark Taylor criticized India for lacking transparency regarding Rohit’s exclusion.

AUS vs IND: Mark Taylor calls out India’s lack of clarity on Rohit Sharma’s exclusion from the Sydney Test
Mark Taylor and Rohit Sharma (Image Source: X)

Former Australian cricketer Mark Taylor has openly criticized the Indian cricket team’s decision to describe Rohit Sharma’s exclusion from the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 as being “rested,”

Jasprit Bumrah defends Rohit Sharma’s exclusion

At the toss, stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah defended Rohit’s absence, presenting it as a strategic decision taken in the team’s interest. Bumrah stated at the time of toss, “Our captain, Rohit Sharma, has shown great leadership by choosing to rest in this game. It reflects the unity in our team and our commitment to putting the team’s interests above individual preferences,”

Bumrah also confirmed two changes in the playing XI, with Shubman Gill replacing Rohit and Prasidh Krishna stepping in for the injured Akash Deep.

Rohit’s form has been a major concern during the series. In five innings of the BGT, the Indian skipper managed to score only 31 runs at a paltry average of 6.20. His slump in form followed his struggles during the Bangladesh series, where he scored 42 runs across two Tests at an average of 10.50 and then another bad series with the bat against New Zealand. Given these performances, the decision to leave Rohit out for the crucial Sydney Test raised questions about the longevity of his Test career, especially at his age and amid growing competition for the opener’s spot.

Also WATCH: Shubman Gill exchanges words with Steve Smith before getting out on Day 1 of the Sydney Test

Mark Taylor’s strong words on Rohit’s exclusion

Taylor criticized India for lacking transparency regarding Rohit’s exclusion, asserting that the term “rested” was misleading. He argued that Rohit was dropped due to his form rather than voluntarily opting out. Speaking on Triple M Cricket, Taylor questioned Bumrah’s explanation at the time of toss.

“This isn’t a crime – it’s a part of professional sports. If you’re out of form, you’re replaced. That’s how teams maintain their competitive edge,” Taylor remarked.

Taylor emphasized that being upfront about decisions would maintain credibility and avoid unnecessary controversies. His remarks have reignited debates about the team’s accountability and the importance of clear communication regarding team selection policies.

“The bottom line is, the captain of a country does not opt out of the final, deciding Test match of a series. It doesn’t mean he’s been dropped forever. It means he’s missing this match because he’s out of form. But why not just say it as it is?,” Taylor concluded.

Also WATCH: Steve Smith reacts after 3rd umpire overturns his catch of Virat Kohli on Day 1 of SCG Test – AUS vs IND

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