New Delhi, Jan 2 (NationPress) Former India head coach Ravi Shastri stated that he would not be taken aback if captain Rohit Sharma chooses to retire from Test cricket. He emphasized that if Rohit has a farewell match, he should exit the format on a positive note.
Speculation regarding Rohit’s future has escalated ahead of the final Border-Gavaskar Trophy series Test in Sydney, where head coach Gautam Gambhir mentioned in the pre-match press conference that the playing eleven would be determined after assessing the pitch before day one’s play, without confirming if the Indian skipper is assured a place in the match starting on Friday.
Throughout the ongoing series, Rohit has accumulated only 31 runs at an average of 6.2 across three matches. “He'll make a decision regarding his career, but I wouldn't be surprised at all (if Sharma retires) because he's not getting any younger. There are other emerging talents, such as Shubman Gill, who boasts an impressive average exceeding 40 in 2024 and isn't currently playing,” Shastri remarked.
“It plays tricks on your mind as to why he is sitting on the bench and not participating. So, while I wouldn’t be shocked, it’s ultimately his choice. If India had qualified for the World Test Championship (final) or still have a chance to qualify, that would change the situation,” he continued.
“Otherwise, this might be the perfect moment - but (if Sharma plays) he should exit with a burst of brilliance. If I were anywhere near Rohit Sharma, I’d advise him, ‘Just go and hit it hard. Step out there and enjoy yourself’.
“Currently, it seems like he is not playing the way he usually does, which is concerning. He should go out there and take the fight to the opposition and see what unfolds,” stated Shastri during The ICC Review show.
He also indicated that Rohit’s performance in red-ball cricket has declined in recent months due to straying from his natural style, likening his situation to the challenges faced by Australian opener Usman Khawaja.
“From my perspective, I observe that he appears a bit late on the ball. His foot movement does not seem as sharp as it once was. Even at his peak, his footwork was minimal, but it was more effective. At present, it seems he’s stuck on the crease.”
“It resembles Khawaja in the Australian lineup, where you seem neither forward nor back. I believe when Rohit moves more towards the ball and shows intent to challenge the opposition, that’s when the right signals travel from the brain to the feet to execute what’s needed,” he added.
“I want him to step out, hit it hard, and aim to win this Test match. You might have lost one Test, but the series isn't over yet. Strive to claim this Test match to preserve the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. It’s about going out there and playing his natural game (that’s impacting him),” he elaborated.
The fifth and final Test begins on Friday, with Australia leading the series 2-1. India must secure a victory in the Test at Sydney to maintain their slim chances of qualifying for next year’s World Test Championship final. They will also need Australia to avoid winning any of their two Tests in Sri Lanka later this month to solidify their position for the WTC final at Lord's in June.
