Rohit Sharma Addresses Speculation Surrounding His Retirement, What He Said About Exclusion from 5th Test

Rohit Sharma, who has captained India in the previous three Tests against Australia during the Border-Gavaskar series, has responded to being excluded from the fifth Test match.

During a lunch break interview with the broadcasting channel, Rohit dismissed rumors of his retirement, stating, "I have not retired." He said his absence from the fifth Test was not due to being rested or dropped, but rather a decision made in consultation with the selectors and the coach.

The final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is currently taking place in Sydney. Rohit has been replaced by fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah as captain. Rohit explained, "I have decided to stay out of this Test. It was difficult but it was a right decision."

When asked about retirement, he said, "I decided to stay out of the match as soon as I reached Sydney. This decision cannot be taken by others." 

He acknowledged his recent struggles with his form but emphasized that past performance does not decide future potential.

"I have not come from India to sit out. I have come to win the match. I have to win the match, I have to make this team win. This is the goal," he sais. He emphasized the importance of team needs over individual performance.

Gautam Gambhir addressed the press instead of Rohit

Following India's defeat in the fourth Test, media speculation arose suggesting that Rohit could be held responsible for the loss. This speculation intensified when head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the press on the day before the match instead of Rohit.

Gambhir assured, "Everything is fine with Rohit. The head coach is here, that should be enough. After seeing the pitch before the toss, it will be decided whether the captain will be in the playing eleven or not."

What Gavaskar and Shastri said?

Sunil Gavaskar and former Indian coach Ravi Shastri, spoke on Rohit's situation. Gavaskar said that if India fails to qualify for the World Test Championship final, the Melbourne Test could be Rohit's last. Shastri echoed this sentiment, saying that Rohit's decision to sit out reflects a courageous acceptance of responsibility amid struggles.

Former Australian captain Mark Taylor remarked on the unusual nature of a captain voluntarily missing a decisive match, implying that Rohit may have been removed from the captaincy due to poor form, though he acknowledged that such a situation is not uncommon in professional sports.

Prakash Kumar Pandey