Rohit Sharma’s absence from India’s official 16-member squad for the Sydney Test raised eyebrows. His name was notably missing from the list shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) moments after the toss for the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Jasprit Bumrah led the team in Rohit’s absence, revealing that the veteran opted to rest for the series finale.
However, the BCCI provided no formal explanation or update, leaving fans and analysts speculating. Interestingly, while key players like Shubman Gill and Prasidh Krishna returned to the playing XI, Rohit’s name didn’t appear, even among the reserves. The only other omission was pacer Akash Deep, ruled out due to injury.
Speculation Around Rohit’s Decision
On the eve of the New Year’s Test, Rohit Sharma was seen engaging in an animated discussion with head coach Gautam Gambhir and Jasprit Bumrah. Despite limited interactions leading up to the match, this heated exchange caught attention. Rohit, who struggled throughout the series, scoring just 31 runs in five innings, opted to sit out the Sydney Test. Reports suggest the decision followed a lackluster year in Test cricket, with Rohit accumulating only 619 runs in 26 innings at an average of 24.76.
His form, coupled with India’s loss in the fourth Test, added fuel to speculation about his future in the longest format. Observers noted signs during practice sessions that Rohit’s absence was imminent, further hinting at his possible retirement from Test cricket after a roller-coaster career.
India’s Struggles Continue
India’s batting woes persisted in Rohit’s absence. After opting to bat, the team suffered early setbacks, losing KL Rahul (4) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (10) cheaply to Australia’s new-ball attack. Virat Kohli narrowly avoided a golden duck, while Shubman Gill’s (20) ill-timed aggression against Nathan Lyon resulted in a dismissal on the stroke of lunch.
The challenging conditions highlighted India’s vulnerabilities, amplifying the pressure on the team as they aimed to close the series on a strong note. Amid the drama surrounding Rohit Sharma, India’s poor start underscored the need for stability at the top order.
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