After a devastating 285-run defeat in the Melbourne Test, which saw India fall 2-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), calls for Rohit Sharma to retire from Test cricket have intensified. The Indian captain has struggled with both his personal form and his team’s results, leading to growing pressure on him to step down. India has been winless in their last six Tests under Rohit’s leadership, following a crushing whitewash at home against New Zealand, and losses in Adelaide and Melbourne. The team narrowly avoided defeat in the Gabba Test, which ended in a draw due to rain delays. India’s sole victory during this stretch came in the Perth Test under Jasprit Bumrah’s captaincy when Rohit was absent for personal reasons.
Rohit’s form with the bat has been dismal, with just 31 runs in five innings at an average of 6.2. Since the start of the Bangladesh series in September, the 37-year-old has accumulated only 164 runs in 15 innings at an average of 10.93.
Rohit Sharma Decides On Retirement Date
With his batting form showing little improvement, there were speculations that the MCG Test could be Rohit’s last in Test cricket. However, a report by Times of India has revealed that the India captain has decided to retire after the Sydney Test. The report also suggests that there have been discussions between the BCCI’s top officials and selectors regarding his retirement. Nevertheless, if India manages to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, Rohit could convince the selectors to play in the summit clash.
India’s hopes of reaching the 2025 WTC final are slim, and the outcome is now out of their hands. To qualify, India must win the Sydney Test and rely on a favorable result from Sri Lanka.
