IndiaTest captain Rohit Sharma notably absent from the playing XI for the fifth and final Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 in Sydney. Jasprit Bumrahh, enter as captain, He stated that Rohit chose to stay out of the game for the benefit of the team. However, the appearance of Rohit’s name in BCCI’s official test squad list for the match hinted at major problems. Rohit’s absence paved the way for this Shubman Gill trestore his place in the XI, raising questions about the future of that veteran batsman’s Test career.
Ravi Shastri’s prediction: Potential retirement
Former head coach of India Ravi Shastri aggravated the situation ICC OverviewIt suggested that Rohit might announce his retirement from Test cricket after the ongoing series. Shastri noted:He will take a call on his career but I won’t be shocked at all if Rohit retires. He’s not getting any younger”
Shastri highlighted the presence of promising players like Gill in 2024 who have a star average of over 40 but are underutilized during series. He also stressed that if India qualifies for the competition World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 In the finals in England, Rohit may reconsider walking away.
“There are other young players on the wings, there is Shubman Gill, who, because of his quality, has averaged over 40 in 2024 and is not playing. He sits on the bench warming it up and tricks your brain about what he’s doing. So I won’t be surprised, but it’s his call. At the end of the day, if India have qualified for the World Test Championship (Final) or have yet to qualify for the World Test Championship Final, it is something else entirely. Otherwise, I think it might just be good timing – 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 SCG Test toss
Rohit’s struggles and missed opportunities
Rohit Sharma’s performance in the ongoing series has been underwhelming, fueling speculation about his Test future. In BGT’s five innings, the Indian captain managed to score just 31 runs at a paltry average of 6.20. After missing the opening Test, Rohit failed to deliver effective innings in the subsequent games. His absence from the Sydney Test comes at a critical time for the team to qualify for the WTC finals.
India face a must-win situation in the fifth Test to stay in contention for the WTC final. A win will see India potentially outclass Australia South Africa In the WTC standings, a loss or draw would likely confirm Australia’s place in the finals alongside South Africa. Australia currently lead the five-match series 2-1, putting huge pressure on India to secure a series-levelling win in Sydney.
