The Indian cricket team faced a 1-3 defeat in the five-match Test series against Australia. This defeat cost India the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) for the first time in a decade. Additionally, India was knocked out of the race for the World Test Championship (WTC) finals, currently set between South Africa and Australia at the iconic Lord's from June 11 to 15.
Rohit Considered Retirement, Took a U-turn
During the Australia tour, captain Rohit Sharma's performance was underwhelming, averaging just 6.20 over five innings, scoring a mere 31 runs. Due to poor form, Rohit opted out of the Sydney Test. In his absence, Jasprit Bumrah took the helm, but India still succumbed to defeat.
A media report claimed that Rohit Sharma considered retiring after the Melbourne Test, influenced by well-wishers who urged him to reconsider. Consequently, Rohit deferred his retirement plans. A source told TOI, 'Rohit had made up his mind to retire post the MCG Test. If it weren't for his well-wishers stopping him, Australia might have witnessed another Indian player's retirement.'
Scoring merely 31 runs in five innings and enduring six losses as captain over the last six Tests led Rohit Sharma to contemplate retirement. However, he changed his mind before the Sydney Test in the new year. Reports suggested his reversal frustrated Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Source: aajtak
Amidst all this, during the Sydney Test, Rohit Sharma spoke with broadcaster Star Sports, clarifying that he had no immediate retirement plans. Rohit stated, 'I'm not planning to retire anytime soon. I withdrew from this match as I wasn't scoring. I’ll work hard to bounce back. Runs are not coming now, but that doesn’t guarantee they won't come in five months.'
The 'Hitman' said, 'I decided to opt-out of this Test, but I'm not going anywhere. This isn’t a decision about retiring or leaving the format. What someone with a pen, mic, or laptop says doesn't change our lives. We’ve played this game for years. They can’t decide when we retire or stop playing. I'm a sensible man, a mature man, a father of two children, so I have some insight into what I want in life.'
During the time, Rohit addressed Gautam Gambhir, ‘I spoke to the selectors and the head coach. I informed them how crucial the Sydney match was for the team. It was a tough decision, but I thought the in-form players should play.’ He further mentioned that upon arriving in Sydney, he decided to skip the fifth Test as he didn’t want to break the news to the team during the New Year.
Post the Sydney Test, during a press conference, Gautam Gambhir was questioned about Rohit and Virat's retirement, to which he responded, ‘I can’t comment on any player’s future; it’s up to them. They have hunger and commitment. I hope they do everything possible to advance Indian cricket. Discussing transition is premature; we don’t know where we’ll be in five months. Everyone is aware of their hunger and passion to play for the country. This is not my team or yours; it’s the nation’s. Our dressing room has honest individuals who know the impact of their contribution on the team.’
