Rohit Sharma’s Test career may be nearing its end, with recent reports suggesting that the Indian team captain could be playing his final Test in Sydney. This comes after a string of disappointing performances during India’s ongoing tour of Australia, which have raised doubts about his future in Test cricket. With the Sydney Test scheduled to begin on January 3, 2025, it is increasingly being seen as a possible farewell match for the veteran opener.
Sydney Test Could Be His Last
According to multiple reports, Rohit Sharma is set to retire from Test cricket, and the Sydney Test may mark the end of his career in the longest format. If India does not qualify for the World Test Championship final, the match could be his final appearance in Test cricket. While Rohit reportedly wants to play in the World Test Championship final, if India makes it, the chances of that happening seem slim, making the Sydney Test his likely swan song.
Sources close to the situation claim that Rohit Sharma is trying to convince the selectors to let him continue playing, particularly with the goal of playing in the World Test Championship final. However, with India’s slim chances of qualifying, many believe that the Sydney Test, starting on January 3, 2025, will be his last. If the match extends to the full five days, January 7, 2025, could mark the end of his illustrious Test career.
BCCI and Selectors Talking About Retirement
Following India’s loss in the Melbourne Test, discussions about Rohit’s retirement have intensified within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and among the selectors. While some selectors have reportedly suggested it’s time for the 36-year-old captain to step down from Test cricket, Rohit is still trying to prove himself. His leadership and experience are highly valued, but his form with the bat has raised serious concerns.
Rohit, known for his aggressive style and record-breaking performances in limited-overs cricket, has struggled to replicate that success in the Test format in recent years. His leadership skills continue to be appreciated, but his batting performance has been inconsistent, especially on the Australian tour. Many believe that if India doesn’t reach the World Test Championship final, the Sydney Test will be his last chance to leave an impact in the format.
India’s Loss in Melbourne and Rohit’s Decision
Rohit Sharma’s decision to take over the opening slot, replacing KL Rahul, came under scrutiny after India’s loss in the Melbourne Test. Despite a strong start, with India losing only three wickets at tea on the final day, the team collapsed in dramatic fashion, eventually losing the match by 184 runs. Rohit’s own batting was not up to the mark, and Rishabh Pant’s rash dismissal triggered a chain of events that led to the team’s downfall. Yashasvi Jaiswal played a commendable knock of 84 runs, but no other batsman managed to contribute significantly.
Rohit’s struggles with the bat have been evident throughout the series. In three matches, he has managed to score only 31 runs, with an average of just 6.20. His inability to stay at the crease has become a point of concern, especially given his previous success in the format. While his leadership remains strong, his performance as a batsman has been below expectations, and many believe that his Test career could be nearing its end.
Poor Form and Growing Retirement Rumors
Rohit Sharma’s poor form during the Australia tour, combined with India’s underwhelming performance, has led to growing speculation about his retirement. Although Rohit is a crucial figure for India in limited-overs formats, his performance in Tests has been inconsistent. His decision to take over the opening position from KL Rahul did not pay off, and neither he nor Rahul could provide the necessary stability at the top of the order. This, coupled with the team’s batting collapses, has made it clear that Rohit’s time in Test cricket may be coming to an end.
While his leadership in the longest format has been commendable, Rohit’s struggles with the bat are making it difficult to ignore the possibility that his days in Test cricket are numbered. His recent form has led to a growing sense that his retirement from Tests might be just around the corner, especially with the Sydney Test possibly marking the final chapter of his career.
Rohit’s Legacy in Test Cricket
Rohit Sharma’s journey in Test cricket has been filled with highs and lows. He has been an integral part of India’s top order and a key figure in the team’s success over the years. Known for his elegant stroke play, Rohit has achieved some remarkable feats in Test cricket, including scoring multiple double centuries. His leadership abilities have also been widely praised, and he has been seen as a stable force for India in tough situations.
However, over the last couple of years, Rohit’s form in Tests has been inconsistent, and the Melbourne Test was another disappointing chapter. With age catching up and the emergence of new talent, including Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, there is increasing pressure on Rohit to step aside for the next generation.
Conclusion
As the Sydney Test looms, the speculation around Rohit Sharma’s future in Test cricket continues to grow. If the match indeed marks the end of his Test career, it will bring down the curtain on a significant chapter of Indian cricket. Whether Rohit Sharma can turn his form around and continue to play for India in the longest format remains to be seen, but his poor performances in recent matches suggest that his days in Test cricket may be numbered. The Sydney Test will likely be a pivotal moment in his career, as fans and selectors alike wait to see if it will be his final match in the format.