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India‘s Test 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 Bumrah, stepping in as captain, stated that Rohit had chosen to sit out the game in the team’s best interest. However, the omission of Rohit’s name from the BCCI’s official Test squad list for the match hinted at underlying issues. Rohit’s absence paved the way for Shubman Gill to reclaim his spot in the XI, raising questions about the future of the veteran batter’s Test career.
Ravi Shastri’s prediction: A potential retirement
Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri weighed in on the situation during The ICC Review, suggesting that Rohit might announce his retirement from Test cricket after the ongoing series. Shastri remarked, “He’ll take a call on his career, but I won’t be shocked at all if Rohit retires. He’s not getting younger,”
Shastri highlighted the presence of promising players like Gill, who boasts a stellar average of over 40 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 might reconsider stepping away.
“There are other young players in the wings, there’s Shubman Gill, a player of his quality averaging over 40 in the year 2024 and not playing. It tricks your brain as to what is he doing sitting on the bench and warming it. So I won’t be surprised but it’s his call. 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’s another thing altogether. Otherwise, I think it might just be the opportune time – but (if Sharma plays) he should go out with 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 toss in 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 the BGT, the Indian skipper managed to score only 31 runs at a paltry average of 6.20. After missing the opening Test, Rohit has failed to deliver impactful innings in the following games. With the team’s qualification for the WTC final hanging in the balance, his absence from the Sydney Test comes at a critical juncture.
India faces a must-win situation in the fifth Test to remain in contention for the WTC final. A victory would see India potentially surpass Australia and South Africa in the WTC standings, while a loss or draw would probably 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 deliver a series-leveling win in Sydney.
