With reports flooding in over Rohit Sharma is not India’s Test scheme in future, the captain rubbished the media reports in a interview with the broadcasters of India vs Australia Test series during fifth Test on Saturday.
“I have not retired,” Rohit said while talking to Jatin Sapru and Irfan Pathan during the Lunch break on Day 2 of IND vs AUS 5th Test.
Facing questions about his absence, Rohit explained, “I have not retired. I stood down, that is what I would say.” He revealed that his conversation with the coach and selectors was straightforward: “I am not able to score runs. There is no form. This is an important match, and we need a player who is in form.”
The 37-year-old batter insisted the decision was made with the team’s best interests in mind. “In our batting line-up, form is crucial. You cannot carry too many out-of-form players. This thought was clear in my mind—I am not going anywhere.”
Rohit shared that the team management and selectors supported his call. “They told me, ‘You’ve played for so many years, you know what you’re doing.’ It wasn’t easy for me to take this decision, but when everything was laid out, it was the sensible thing to do.”
Rohit’s absence paved the way for Shubman Gill’s inclusion in the crucial fifth Test as India trailed 1-2 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Rohit’s form in 2024 had been a concern, with just 619 runs in 26 innings across 14 matches, averaging 24.76. His current series tally was only 31 runs in five innings since joining after the Perth Test.
Despite the slump, Rohit shut down any notion of stepping away from Tests. “This is not a retirement decision. I’m out because the bat isn’t working. But who’s to say it won’t work after two months or six months? Life changes every second, and I believe things will change.”
Rohit spoke about staying grounded amid external noise. “I have played this game for many years. No one with a mic, a laptop, or a pen can decide when I should go. I am a sensible, mature man and a father of two children. I know what I want in life,” he asserted.
