Rohit Sharma Clarifies ‘Selfless’ Sydney Test Absence: ‘Not a Retirement Decision’

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Cric News India

January 4, 2025 0 679

Rohit Sharma Opens Up on Decision to Sit Out

Rohit Sharma clarified that his decision to skip the Sydney Test was due to poor form and not a step toward retirement.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has refuted speculations about his Test future following his decision to sit out of the ongoing Sydney Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Addressing media reports suggesting retirement, Rohit emphasized that his absence was solely due to his poor batting form.

“This decision is not a retirement decision. Nor am I going to take myself out of the game,” Rohit said during the lunch break on Day 2 of the Sydney Test, where Jasprit Bumrah is leading the Indian side.

Rohit clarified that his choice was particularly from self-reflection, stating, “I sat out of this match because runs are not coming off my bat. There is no guarantee runs won’t come five or two months down the line. I have seen a lot in cricket that life changes every second, every minute, every day.”

The Indian captain, who has faced criticism after recent failures, remained confident about his ability to bounce back. “I have confidence in me that things can change, but at the same time, I have to be realistic. Life won’t change by what people with a mic, pen, or laptop write or say. They can’t decide when we should retire or when we should captain,” Rohit asserted.

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Rohit also shed light on his discussions with the coaching staff and selectors, revealing he initiated the decision. “The chat that I had with the coach and the selector was very simple: my bat is not scoring runs, I am not in form, this is an important match, and we need players who are in form. They backed my decision,” Rohit further clarified.

While acknowledging his recent struggles, including a low average of 13.30 in the 2023-24 home season, Rohit maintained that his priority remains the team’s success. “Right now, what does the team need? That is what I was thinking. Nothing else,” the ‘selfless’ Indian skipper concluded.