India captain Rohit Sharma has opened up about his decision to “stand down” from the fifth and final Test against Australia in Sydney, amid speculation about his form and future in Test cricket. The 38-year-old chose to miss the crucial match following a string of poor performances, which led to doubts about his Test career.
India, trailing 1-2 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, will not play another Test for over five months, raising concerns about whether this marked the end of Rohit’s red-ball journey. In five innings during the series, Rohit managed just 31 runs, prompting him to take the difficult decision to step aside.
“I stood down, that is what I would say,” Rohit shared in an interview on Star Sports. “The chat I had with the coach and selector was very simple: I was not able to score runs with the bat. I am not in form. This is an important match; we needed a win. We couldn’t carry many out-of-form players. They backed my decision, which was difficult for me to take.”
Rohit revealed that the thought of stepping aside had been on his mind for some time but the final decision came after the New Year. “After Melbourne, there was New Year’s Day. On that day, I did not want to tell the coach and selector about this. I was trying but could not score, and it was important for me to step aside from this match.”
Rohit also addressed swirling rumours about his retirement, fuelled by comments from Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri suggesting that this match could mark the end of his Test career. He dismissed the speculation, affirming his commitment to the game.
“I don’t believe in what happens five months later. I want to focus on the present. This decision is not a retirement decision. I am not going to move away from the game. But, for this game, I am out because I am not scoring with the bat,” Rohit stated.
He added, “There is no guarantee that after five months I will not score runs. Every day, life changes. I believe in myself. At the same time, I have to be realistic as well. I have played this game for so long. Nobody from outside can decide when I should go, sit out, or lead the team. I am sensible, mature, a father of two. I know what I want in life.”
When the anchor remarked, “It was a pleasure to have you as India captain,” Rohit replied with a smile, “Arre kahin ja nahi raha hu main (I am not going anywhere).”
Rohit’s decision opened the door for Shubman Gill to be included in the playing XI for the pivotal fifth Test. The young batter’s inclusion is seen as a crucial move as India fights to level the series.
“I have not come so far to just sit out. I have come to win matches for the team. But sometimes, you need to understand what the team needs. If you don’t think about the team, then why are you here? It’s all about teamwork. I can’t speak about others, but I am like this. If somebody does not like this, it’s okay,” Rohit added.
Also Read: Eviction Notices To Over Gadechi River Hutmen Inhuman: Congress
