Rohit Sharma, the captain of India, is not participating in the final Test against Australia in Sydney due to a recent decline in his batting performance.
In the series, the 37-year-old has scored a mere 31 runs in five innings, with an average of 6.20. His average over his last eight games is a pitiful 10.93, with a top score of 23 against Bangladesh in September.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah maintained that Rohit had chosen to “rest” himself. He stated, “Our captain has demonstrated leadership.”
“That demonstrates the significant unity that exists within this team.” Selfishness is absent. We are seeking to do whatever is in the greatest interest of the team.
Rumors have circulated that Rohit, who has been replaced in the XI by Shubman Gill, may proclaim his retirement from Test cricket; however, he has not yet addressed this matter publicly.
India is currently 2-1 down and requires a victory at the SCG to secure a series draw and remain in the running to face South Africa in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June.
Bumrah was in control of the opening Test in Perth, which India won by 295 runs while Rohit was on paternity leave. However, the second Test in Adelaide was lost by 10 wickets. A rain-affected draw in Brisbane was followed by a 184-run victory for Australia in Melbourne.
Since replacing Virat Kohli in 2022, Rohit has led India in 24 Test matches, winning 12, losing nine, and drawing three.
Following India’s seven-run victory over South Africa in the final of the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean in June, the right-handed batsman declared his retirement from T20 international cricket.
After the third Test against Australia in Brisbane, India’s off-spinner Ravichandan Ashwin announced his retirement from all international cricket.
