Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
During the draw for the fifth test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between Australia i India at the Sydney Cricket Ground, former Indian cricket coach Ravi Shastri clarify why he didn’t ask the stand-in captain jasprit bumrah about the absence of the regular captain Rohit Sharma.
The draw and the composition of the team
The toss saw Bumrah elect to bat first, a decision taken in the absence of Rohit, who opted to rest for the match. The pitch, covered in grass under an overcast sky, suggested a day of bowling, but Bumrah’s choice was clear. He also announced that Rohit had decided to sit, allowing Shubman Gill to return to alignment.
Sanjay Manjrekar raises questions
Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar expressed surprise at the absence of direct questions about Rohit during the toss. He stressed that fans, who are central to the sport’s popularity, deserve clarity on these 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 issue. 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 leaving, the first thought in their mind is what happened to Rohit Sharma? Has he opted out? Yes he dropped? I was surprised he wasn’t asked for a few times. That would have been the first question you were doing? I don’t understand this cloak and dagger Indian.” Manjrekar told Star Sports.
Also WATCH: AUS vs IND: Rishabh Pant endures multiple body blows after being attacked by Australian bowlers on Day 1 of SCG Test
Ravi Shastri gives his clarification
Shastri revealed that he couldn’t ask Bumrah about Rohit’s absence because Bumrah proactively addressed it in 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 restless or short of runs, shedding light on Rohit’s selfless choice to prioritize team needs over personal considerations.
“Before I could ask him (Jasprit Bumrah), he said the captain chose to sit out and said the team would be stronger if Shubman Gill played. It can happen when you’re in a bad shape, mentally you’re not there and you don’t have careers under your belt.” Shastri said.
