‘Important match, we needed a player in form’- Rohit Sharma explains chat with Gautam Gambhir and selectors ahead of Sydney Test

In the fifth and final Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), India Test captain Rohit Sharma made the decision to leave his team. Despite rumours that he might retire from the longest format, the 38-year-old has stated that he has no plans to do so.

During the lunch break on Day 2, Rohit gave an interview with Jatin Sapru and Irfan Pathan on Star Sports, explaining his reasoning for choosing not to participate in the fifth Test. Given that he had only scored 31 runs from six innings in the series, the Nagpur native claimed to have urged coach Gautam Gambhir and the selectors that India needed someone in form to replace him.

“I just had a straightforward conversation with the coach and selector: I’m not playing well, this is a crucial game, and we need a player who is playing well. Right now, the team’s needs come first, so don’t look too far ahead. “After we arrived in Sydney, I decided that I needed to step aside because I wasn’t scoring runs with the bat,” Rohit remarked.

“As a responsible adult with two children, I know what to do when. You must be aware of what the team needs; you do not want players who do not consider the team. We refer to it as a team, therefore always consider the demands of the group. This is how I personally think, how I play cricket, and how I am outside of cricket as well. “As a person, I am very transparent,” he continued.

With the ball, Bumrah establishes standards: Rohit Sharma

Additionally, Rohit praised Jasprit Bumrah, the team’s stand-in captain who is captaining them while he is away. During their time together with the Mumbai Indians and the national squad, the former has witnessed the right-arm speedster hone his talents up close.

“Bumrah is the epitome of class in the way he sets the bar with the ball. Since my initial encounter with him in 2013, his graph has risen significantly and continued to grow. In this game type, you have to earn everything; nothing is given to you. Being a leader means that you will not always have a wonderful day. Even if you have the same ideas and attitude, occasionally the outcome won’t be favourable.

We are aware that many people may criticise us, but I will always believe in myself. We all go there with the intention of winning, even though it might not always be correct. Things like yesterday happen, so we should have bowled on that pitch rather than batting,” Rohit said.