'He's Not Getting Younger, There're Others In The Wings': Shashti Says Rohit's Retirement Won't Be Shocking
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri was of the opinion that Rohit’s career could come to a swift end if his struggles persist.
While uncertainty looms large over Rohit Sharma’s participation in the Sydney Test and the future thereafter, former coach Ravi Shastri said he won’t be surprised if the Indian captain draws curtains on his career in the longest format of the game after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. A day after several media reports claimed unrest in the dressing room, head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed a press conference in Sydney where he wasn’t affirmative about Rohit’s inclusion in the playing XI for the final fixture of the tour. However, multiple reports have claimed that Bumrah will return as captain while Rohit will be dropped.
Speaking to ICC, Shastri was of the opinion that Rohit’s career could come to a swift end if his struggles persist. The Indian captain has been awfully out of form, scoring just 31 runs in five innings at a meagre average of 6.2 in the ongoing Test series.
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“He’ll take a call on his career but I won’t be shocked at all (if Sharma retires) because he’s not getting younger," Shastri told ICC.
“There are other young players in the wings, there’s Shubman Gill, a player of his quality averaging over 40 in the year 2024 and not playing. It tricks your brain as to what is he doing sitting on the bench and warming it. So, I won’t be surprised but it’s his call," he added.
“At the end of the day, if India had qualified for the World Test Championship (Final) or if they still qualify for the World Test Championship Final, then it’s another thing altogether. Otherwise, I think it might just be the opportune time – but (if Sharma plays) he should go out with a blaze of glory."
As the Indian dressing room drama intensifies with every passing day, it will be interesting to see how things pan out on the game day. The 5-match series is currently in Australia’s grip as they lead 2-1. India, on the other hand, will have one final chance to level up and retain the trophy in Sydney.
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