After being sidelined from the playing XI for the Melbourne Test, rumors of Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket began to circulate. In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Rohit Sharma led the Indian team in three matches, losing two and drawing one. However, what has been more concerning is his batting form. The Indian skipper has managed to score only 31 runs across the five innings he has played in this series.
Meanwhile, during the second day of the SCG Test, Rohit Sharma was interviewed by Jatin Sapru and Irfan Pathan for Star Sports. In the conversation, Rohit addressed his decision to sit out the Sydney Test and put an end to the retirement rumors.
Rohit revealed that it was indeed his decision to sit on the bench, as he believed it was in the team’s best interest given the current situation. He clarified that this does not mean he is unwilling to represent India. Rohit explained that, since runs were not coming from his bat, it made sense to allow players in form to take the field for an important match at the SCG.
“It was difficult for me to take this decision, but when everything is put in front of us, this decision made sense. I am not thinking too far ahead. What the team needed at this moment was my only concern, and there was no other thought apart from that,” said Rohit.
Rohit’s words reflected his displeasure with the retirement speculations stirred up by the media and fans. When Jatin Sapru signed him off after the interview with a “Thank you, Rohit” gesture, expressing gratitude for his captaincy career with India, it appeared to irk Rohit slightly. Such praise is typically heard by players when they are nearing retirement. Responding to the gesture, Rohit quipped, “Bhai, mai kahin nahi jaa raha” (Brother, I am going nowhere).
