Skip to contentPhysical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
IndiaThe test captain Rohit Sharma he was notably absent from the playing eleven for the fifth and final test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 in sydney Jasprit Bumrahh, entering as captain, stated that Rohit had decided to opt out of the game in the best interest of the team. However, the omission of Rohit’s name from the official BCCI Test squad list for the match hinted at underlying problems. Rohit’s absence paved the way Shubman Gill tor regain his place in the XI, raising questions about the future of the veteran batsman’s Test career.
Ravi Shastri Prediction: A possible retirement
Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri weighed the situation during The review of the ICCsuggesting that Rohit might announce his retirement from Test cricket after the ongoing series. Shastri commented, “He will take a call on his career but I won’t be surprised at all if Rohit retires. You ain’t getting any younger,”
Shastri highlighted the presence of promising players like Gill, who boasts a stellar average of 40-plus in 2024 but has been underused during the series. He also stressed that if India qualifies for the World Trials Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final in England, Rohit might reconsider leaving.
“There are other young players in the wings, there is Shubman Gill, a player of his quality who averages over 40 in 2024 and is not playing. It tricks your brain into knowing what it’s doing by sitting on the bench and warming it up. So it won’t surprise me, but it’s his call. After all, if India had qualified for the World Test Championship (final) or if they still qualify for the World Test Championship final, then that is another matter. Otherwise, I think it could be the right time, but (if Sharma plays) he should go out with a bang.” Shastri concluded.
READ also: AUS vs IND: Ravi Shastri reveals why he didn’t ask Jasprit Bumrah about Rohit Sharma during toss at 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 BGT innings, the Indian skipper managed to score just 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 time.
India face a must-win situation in the fifth Test to stay in the WTC final. A win would see India potentially overtake Australia and south africa in the WTC qualifiers, while a loss or a draw would likely confirm Australia’s place in the finals alongside South Africa. Australia currently lead the five-match series 2-1, putting immense pressure on India to secure a series-levelling win in Sydney.
