India’s shaky defense of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia appears to have claimed another significant casualty, with skipper Rohit Sharma seemingly at the end of his Test career after being left out of the fifth and final match in Sydney.
Rohit’s exclusion follows a disappointing run of form that has seen him struggle to make an impact in the series. While the 36-year-old batsman is expected to continue as India’s ODI captain, his future in Test cricket looks uncertain. This marks another turning point in his career, which has already seen him step away from T20 Internationals after leading India to their second ICC T20 World Cup title last year.
A Tough Decision to Drop the Captain
Trailing 2-1 in the series and with hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final virtually over, India made the tough call to leave out their captain. The move, described as “emotional” by wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, allowed the team to bring Shubman Gill back into the top order.
Rohit’s recent form in Tests has been a cause for concern. Over his last 15 innings, he has managed only one half-century and recorded 10 single-digit scores. These struggles, coupled with his inability to regain his rhythm either as an opener or in the middle order, ultimately led to his exclusion.
“It was an emotional decision because he’s been captain for a long time,” Pant said after the first day’s play in Sydney. “We see him as a leader of the team, but it was the management’s call.”
A Career of Highs and Lows
Rohit’s contributions to Indian cricket, particularly in limited-overs formats, are legendary. He has amassed nearly 11,000 runs in ODIs at an average of over 49, including three double centuries—a record no other batsman has achieved. His highest score of 264 against Sri Lanka remains the best individual performance in ODI history.
However, his Test career has not reached the same heights. In 67 matches, Rohit has scored 5,000 runs at an average of 40.57, with only two of his 12 centuries coming on foreign soil. Despite flashes of brilliance, he has often struggled to maintain consistency in the longest format of the game.
Transitioning Leadership
With India’s next Test assignment being a five-match series in England in June-July, speculation is rife that Rohit, who will be 38 by then, may not feature in the squad. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes the fourth Test in Melbourne could very well be Rohit’s last in whites.
“If India doesn’t qualify for the WTC final, the Melbourne Test will likely be Rohit Sharma’s last game,” Gavaskar said during commentary on the first day in Sydney. “We have probably seen Rohit Sharma for the last time in Test cricket.”
Former India coach Ravi Shastri shared a similar sentiment, suggesting that Rohit might step away after this series. “If there was a home season coming up, he might have considered continuing. But I think he might just pull the plug at the end of this Test,” Shastri remarked. “He’s not getting younger, and India has plenty of young talent waiting in the wings. It’s time to build for the future.”
Jasprit Bumrah Takes the Reins
In Rohit’s absence, Jasprit Bumrah is leading the team in Sydney. Bumrah dismissed any speculation of discord within the squad, clarifying that Rohit had “opted out” of the match and denying allegations of selfishness.
Pant, who top-scored with a fighting 40 in India’s first-innings total of 185, acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but emphasized the need to prioritize the team’s goals.
A Mixed Legacy
Rohit Sharma’s Test career is a tale of unfulfilled potential. While his dominance in limited-overs cricket is unquestionable, his inability to replicate the same success in Tests has often drawn criticism. Yet, his contributions to Indian cricket, both as a player and a leader, remain significant.
As India looks ahead to rebuild its Test team, Rohit’s omission signals the start of a transition phase. With young talents like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant stepping up, the focus will be on nurturing the next generation of players to lead the team in future challenges.
Whether Rohit officially announces his retirement from Test cricket or simply fades out, his impact on Indian cricket will be remembered as one of brilliance tempered by inconsistency in the longest format.