Rohit Sharma has clarified that his decision to sit out of the Sydney Test should not be misunderstood as a retirement announcement. He expressed confidence that his form could improve and insisted that those with “a mic, pen, or laptop” cannot decide when players should retire. His comments came in response to media speculation surrounding his Test future, which intensified after India’s loss in the fourth Border-Gavaskar Test in Melbourne, a defeat that significantly diminished their chances of reaching the World Test Championship final.
Speaking to Star Sports during the lunch break on day two of the Sydney Test, in which Jasprit Bumrah is captaining the side, Rohit emphasized that his absence was not linked to any permanent career decision. He explained that he stepped aside due to a lack of runs and poor form but remained optimistic about a turnaround in the future. “This decision is not a retirement decision, nor am I taking myself out of the game. I sat out because runs are not coming from my bat. There is no guarantee they won’t come in five or two months. I have seen enough in cricket to know life changes every second, every minute, every day.”
Rohit Sharma reiterated his self-belief while acknowledging the need for honesty about his form. “I have confidence that things can change, but I also have to be realistic. Life won’t change based on what people with a mic, pen, or laptop write or say. They can’t decide when we retire, when we sit out, or when we captain. I am a sensible, mature man, a father of two kids, and I know what I need in life.”
As India’s Test and ODI captain, Rohit initially missed the start of the series due to paternity leave. After rejoining the squad midway through the first Test in Perth, where India secured a commanding 295-run victory, he slotted into the middle order for the Adelaide and Brisbane matches to accommodate KL Rahul as the opener. In the fourth Test at Melbourne, Rohit resumed his opening role alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, while Rahul shifted to No. 3, leading to Shubman Gill’s exclusion from the XI. However, after two low scores and India’s dramatic defeat, speculation around his place in the side grew.
Rohit explained that his conversations with the head coach and selectors were straightforward. “The chat I had with the coach and selector was simple: my bat is not scoring runs, I’m not in form, and this is an important match. We need players who are in form.”
What do you think of Rohit Sharma’s decision?
