Let’s just cut to the chase. There is an all-time high probability that Rohit Sharma put curtains on his Test career. All the pre-match shenanigans, reports, and claims have all indicated that the Indian captain won’t continue his Test career after the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). On the backdrop of all these talks, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has weighed in on his thoughts, saying that it won’t take him by surprise.
Rohit Sharma’s retirement is quite expected!
“If I was anywhere near Rohit Sharma, I’ll tell him, ‘Just go and smash it. Just go out there and have a blast’,” Shastri said on The ICC Review. “Just as it is when you’re trying to play the way you are at the moment, it’s not looking great. Go out there and take the attack to the opposition and then let’s see what happens. He’ll take a call on his career but I won’t be shocked at all (if Sharma retires) because he’s not getting younger,” said Shastri.
“There are other young players in the wings, there’s Shubman Gill, a player of his quality averaging over 40 in the year 2024 and not playing. It tricks your brain as to what is he doing sitting on the bench and warming it. So I won’t be surprised but it’s his call. At the end of the day, if India had qualified for the World Test Championship (Final) or if they still qualify for the World Test Championship Final, then it’s another thing altogether. Otherwise, I think it might just be the opportune time – but (if Sharma plays) he should go out with a blaze of glory.”
India’s World Test Championship Final aspirations hang by a thread, and their only hope is to win the Sydney Test. Even then, they’ll need Australia to falter in their upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, failing to win both matches, to secure a spot in the final at Lord’s in June.
Sydney Test: Possible team changes in playing XI
Speculation continues around Rohit’s potential exclusion from the playing XI. If dropped, Jasprit Bumrah is likely to captain the team. Shubman Gill, who missed the previous Test, might return to the lineup, possibly batting at No. 3. Meanwhile, KL Rahul is expected to partner with Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top of the order. The final team decisions remain eagerly anticipated as the Test approaches at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Rohit Sharma’s Test record under Ravi Shastri vs Gautam Gambhir
| Inns | Runs | HS | Ave | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
| Under Ravi Shastri | 38 | 1863 | 212 | 56.45 | 56.25 | 6 | 7 | 209 | 38 |
| Under Gautam Gambhir | 15 | 164 | 52 | 10.93 | 57.14 | 0 | 1 | 21 | 4 |
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