Ponting: Rohit Faces Tough Road Ahead for Test Comeback
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Sydney, Jan 3 (NationPress) Australian cricketing icon Ricky Ponting perceives that the road for Rohit Sharma to re-enter Test cricket will be arduous following the regular Indian captain's decision to rest during the ongoing fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday.
Rohit has recorded an average of merely 6.2 across the three Tests he participated in against Australia, with his best score being 10. Speculation regarding his absence in Sydney arose when head coach Gautam Gambhir declined to confirm him as a definite starter during the pre-match press conference.
Having already stepped away from T20Is after leading India to victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024, Rohit’s future in Tests appears uncertain. “I believe the reaction has been that everyone anticipated this outcome. Discussions over the last few days indicated that Rohit would likely not participate in this match, with Shubman Gill expected to return and (Jasprit) Bumrah likely to assume the captaincy again, which indeed has unfolded,” stated Ponting.
“It seems to be a considerable challenge for Rohit Sharma to return to this format at this stage. Considering that India won’t have another Test match until mid to late June, it poses a significant hiatus as he approaches the latter part of his career.”
“Rohit has been an outstanding player for India, and for individuals of his caliber, one can only wish them well and hope to see them back in action. However, as I mentioned, it is likely to be a long - and perhaps arduous journey - for him,” Ponting remarked during the ICC Review show at the SCG.
He also expressed his thoughts regarding the phrase ‘opted out’ concerning Rohit’s absence from the Sydney Test as articulated by the Indian team. “I was quite taken aback when I heard the term ‘opting out’ regarding such a crucial game. We know he has been a significant figure in Indian cricket for many years.”
“Thus, the phrasing they used can only be taken at face value. We need to trust what’s being communicated from the Indian camp. However, given the significance of this match, knowing they need to win to retain the trophy, it was an intriguing moment for one of their more seasoned players to opt out,” concluded Ponting.
