Mein kahi nhi jaa raha hu yar: Rohit Sharma

Senior India batter Rohit Sharma doused the swirling speculation over his Test cricket future on Saturday, January 4, as he made it clear that he has not retired and is also not thinking of retiring. As a matter of fact, the 37-year-old cited recent batting struggles as a reason to retire from the ongoing Sydney Test against Australia. 

His exclusion from the playing XI in the vital fifth contest of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has sparked much debate over his future in Test cricket. However, he cleared the air regarding his decision in an interview with Star Sports.

“I Have Not Retired, I Stood Down”

Addressing the issue, Rohit said his decision to sit out was not a retirement call but pragmatic steps in ensuring that the team’s performance was well guarded. “I have not retired. I stood down, that is what I would say,” he said. “The chat I had with the coach and the selector was very simple. I am not able to score runs; there is no form. It is an important match, and we need a player with form.”

Rohit’s meager returns in Test cricket during 2024 highlighted his apprehensions. In 26 innings across 14 matches, he scored only 619 runs at an average of 24.76. His poor run extended into the ongoing series, where he scored only 31 runs in five innings after joining the team post the Perth Test.

Team-First Approach

It speaks volumes of the commitment that the veteran batter has for the success of his team. “As it is, in our batting, the form of the boys is not that good. So, you cannot carry a lot of out-of-form players in the team,” he said.

Rohit further revealed that he got the full support of the team management and selectors. “They said that you have been playing for so many years. You know what you are doing,” he revealed. While admitting it was not easy to stand down, Rohit insisted on putting the needs of the team ahead of his personal ambitions.

Captaincy Changeover

In Rohit’s absence, Jasprit Bumrah led the side, like he had done for the better part of the series already. Rohit was in praise of the qualities Bumrah has as a leader: “The way he sets standards with the ball, he is absolute class. His graph can be said to have grown since 2013 when I first saw him perform. 

Then, the inclusion of Shubman Gill instead of Rohit in the playing XI only spiced up the whole interesting scenario regarding India’s line-up for such an important match. India was trailing 1-2 in the series and had to win to equalize the trophy.

“Life Changes Every Day”

Despite his recent struggles, Rohit exuded confidence in a comeback of form. “We have seen a lot in cricket. Every minute, every second, every day, life changes. So, I believe things will change,” he said.

Addressing the media frenzy surrounding his decision, Rohit sent a pointed message across. “These people cannot decide when we should go or when we should not play. I am a sensible man. “I’m quite the mature man. I’m a father of two kids, so I have a little brain to decide what I want in life,” he quipped.

Rohit’s direct statements have taken all speculations away concerning his Test future; the to-be-marked leader and team player has instead put a stamp on his commitment to the success of the team.

FAQs

Q1: Why did Rohit Sharma withdraw from the Sydney Test? 

A: Rohit Sharma has pulled out from the Sydney Test due to his lethargic form, as the team required in-form players at such a crucial match. 

Q2: Is Rohit Sharma retiring from Test cricket? 

A: No, Rohit Sharma is not retiring or moving away from Test cricket. 

Q3: Who led the Indian side when Rohit was not around? 

A: Jasprit Bumrah led the side in the Sydney Test. 

Q4: How has Rohit Sharma performed in Test cricket even recently? 

A: Rohit scored 619 runs at an average of 24.76 in 2024 including just 31 runs in five innings during the current series against Australia.