Kolkata : As per multiple reports, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has opted out of Sydney Test. Vice-Captain Jasprit Bumrah will lead Indian team in Rohit’s absence.
Speculations and reports after Melbourne Test defeat stated that Rohit might hang his boots from the longest format after conclusion of Sydney Test. Therefore, if Rohit doesn’t play Sydney Test, Melbourne Test could be the last time Rohit was seen in whites for India provided India don’t qualify for WTC Final.
“The fourth Test in Melbourne may well have been Rohit’s last in Test cricket. Unless the BCCI intervenes and requests him to play one final time, the decision is unlikely to change,” a source quoted Times of India.
Indian youngster Shubman Gill might replace Rohit at top order in case Rohit doesn’t play.
Earlier in press conference today, Indian Head coach Gautam Gambhir didn’t confirm Rohit’s inclusion in Sydney Tests’ playing XI starting tomorrow.
“Everything is fine with Rohit. I don’t think it’s a tradition. The head coach is here. That should be fine, that should be good enough. I am going to have a look at the wicket and finalise it (Rohit’s inclusion in playing XI) tomorrow,” Gambhir said.
Rohit Sharma made only a cameo appearance in India’s final training session ahead of the Test match in Sydney. On the eve of the big game, Rohit was seen more talking to the coaches, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, and Bumrah. He did not train at the nets with the first batch of his teammates, which included Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. He was absent from the slip cordon during a caching practice session.
However, Rohit arrived last to the nets and batted for hardly 10 minutes. He was then spotted having another chat with Gambhir and Bumrah at one of the stands at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground.
In Red Ball Cricket, Rohit had year to forget both with Bat and captaincy. Indian team under his captaincy got whitewashed against New Zealand 3-0, and currently struggling in Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 after he took over captaincy from 2nd Test. India won 1st Test at Perth convincingly under Jasprit Bumrah’s leadership but are now trailing 2-1. Hence, Bumrah is probable choice of captaincy candidate.
However, Rohit is yet to take call on his future in Test Cricket, but, if he doesn’t play this Test and India don’t reach the final of WTC 2025, it will be the final nail in coffin for his Test career.
