Rohit Sharma opting out of the ongoing fifth and final BGT 2024 Test between India and Australia in Sydney has opened floodgates for more rumors about his future. In his place, Jasprit Bumrah captained the Indian team and walked out to toss.
Later, he was seen sitting outside the dressing room, scratching his chin and crossing one leg over the other, possibly reminiscing his last stroll at the MCG last week, which appears to be his final outing for India in whites.
“Obviously, our captain (Rohit) has shown his leadership as well. He’s opted to rest in this game. So that shows that there’s a lot of unity in our team. There’s no selfishness. Whatever is in the team’s best interest, we’re looking to do that,” Bumrah said at the toss.
And now Indian Express has reported that Rohit Sharma is not in the plans of BCCI selectors going forward from the ongoing Australia Test series, especially in red-ball cricket.
Following the Australia tour, it is expected that the selectors will meet with Virat Kohli to discuss the team's next steps as it prepares to embark on its most significant transition yet. Ravindra Jadeja, the squad's other senior player, will remain in the picture, as the all-rounder's presence is valued during the changeover.
Rohit's decision not to play the SCG Test was made by the player and head coach Gautam Gambhir following a meeting with BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar. With the series on the line, Rohit's problems with the bat (he has scores of 3, 6, 10, 3, and 9), and a lack of faith in his captaincy, the decision was simple.
The big question is whether a captain who has been dropped for a Test, even if India advances to the World Cup final, can still return to the team. As things stand, it is quite improbable, as the selectors are believed to be unanimous in their resolve to look beyond Rohit.
When the squad returns to India, they want to discuss the Champions Trophy, which will be played in the 50-over format.
Speaking to the host broadcaster, batting great Sunil Gavaskar said Rohit may have played his last Test.
“I think it probably means that (if) India doesn’t qualify for the WTC final, the Melbourne Test will be Rohit Sharma’s last game. The (next) WTC cycle will start with the England series, and the selectors would likely want someone available for the 2027 final. Whether India gets there or not is another matter, but that’s what the selection committee is likely to do. We have probably seen Rohit Sharma for the last time in Test cricket,” Gavaskar said.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri said Rohit may decide at the end of the Sydney Test.
He said: “If there was a home season coming up he might’ve thought of carrying on, but I think he might just pull the plug at the end of this Test,” he said on commentary. “He’s not getting younger … it’s not that India doesn’t have youngsters. There are very, very good players in the wings and it’s time to build. Tough decisions, but there is a time for everything.”
(Indian Express report)
