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During the toss 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 stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah about the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma.
The toss and team composition
The toss saw Bumrah opting to bat first, a decision made in the absence of Rohit, who chose to rest for the match. The pitch, covered with grass under an overcast sky, suggested a bowling-friendly day, but Bumrah’s choice was clear. He also announced that Rohit had decided to sit out, allowing Shubman Gill to return to the lineup.
Sanjay Manjrekar raises questions
Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar voiced his astonishment at the absence of direct inquiries about Rohit during the toss. He emphasized that fans, who are integral to the sport’s popularity, deserve clarity about such decisions. Manjrekar found it surprising that Rohit’s situation—whether he was rested, dropped, or unavailable—was not addressed during the toss, which he believes should have been a priority question. Criticizing this lack of openness, he referred to it as a “cloak and dagger” approach, highlighting the need for better communication with the cricketing community.
“We have to share with the fans who have made cricket the great game that is India. When they see Bumrah walking out, the first thought in their minds is what happened to Rohit Sharma? Has he opted out? Has he been dropped? I was amazed that at the toss he wasn’t asked. I have done the toss a few times. That would have been the first question after asking him what are you doing? I don’t understand this cloak and dagger that is there in Indian cricket,” said Manjrekar on Star Sports.
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Ravi Shastri gives his clarification
Shastri revealed that he couldn’t ask Bumrah about Rohit’s absence because Bumrah addressed it proactively at the toss. Bumrah explained that Rohit had opted to sit out, believing the team would be stronger with Gill’s inclusion. Shastri added that such decisions often stem from a player being out of form, mentally unsettled, or lacking runs, shedding light on Rohit’s selfless choice to prioritize the team’s needs over personal considerations.
“Before I could even ask him (Jasprit Bumrah), he said the captain opted to sit out and said the team would be stronger if Shubman Gill played. It can happen when you are out of sorts, you are mentally not there, and you don’t have runs under your belt,” Shastri said.
