Rohit Sharma’s decision to sit out the fifth and final Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Sydney has only fueled the intense speculation surrounding his future in red-ball cricket. A possible changing of the guard came about when Jasprit Bumrah, donning the captain’s hat, led the Indian side out for the toss.
Rishabh Pant has been included as the wicket-keeper, and Rohit’s absence was a joint decision by the player himself, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar. With India’s Test series against Australia on the line and questions being raised on Rohit’s form—his scores this series read 3, 6, 10, 3, and 9—the selectors are reportedly contemplating going ahead without him in the longest format.
Bumrah speaks on Rohit Sharma’s decision to opt out of fifth Test
Bumrah, speaking at the toss, praised the team’s unity and emphasized selflessness. “Our captain has shown his leadership by opting to rest. It reflects the team’s collective focus on what’s best,” Bumrah said.
The BCCI selectors are reportedly on the same page about keeping Rohit Sharma out of future red-ball plans. After the tour to Australia, selectors will have a meeting with Virat Kohli in order to plot a massive transition phase, according to reports. One very important aspect of that plot is Ravindra Jadeja, due to his all-rounder skills.
The big question is whether a captain who dropped for a Test can make a comeback, even if India qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Veteran opener and former coach Sunil Gavaskar speculated that the Melbourne Test could be Rohit’s last. “The next WTC cycle starts with the England series, and the selectors might want someone available for the 2027 final,” Gavaskar said.
Ravi Shastri also added that Rohit could call time on his Test career by the end of the Sydney Test. “He’s not getting younger, and India has excellent youngsters ready to step up. It’s time to build,” said Shastri during commentary.
When the team returns to India, talks will then move on to the 50-over Champions Trophy. Having decided that Rohit’s role in Test cricket was at an end, India are looking to a new generation of players to take the team forward.