SYDNEY: India’s longer formats’ captain Rohit Sharma’s absence from the final Test of the five-match series against Australia gave rise to the doubts regarding his future both as the skipper and as a player in the longest format.
Sharma, who managed to score only 31 runs in five innings this series, was subsequently replaced by ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah as the captain, while right-handed batter Shubman Gill came in as his replacement in the batting order.
Gill, however, only managed to score 20 runs off 64 deliveries with the help of two boundaries.
Furthermore, Indian media also reported that Sharma will be resting during the forthcoming ODI series against England, while he is also doubtful to lead India in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, with Hardik Pandya emerging as a strong candidate to take the leadership role.
Speculation regarding Sharma’s removal began after the Melbourne Test defeat, while there were also rumours of a rift between him and head coach Gautam Gambhir, who indirectly criticised him in the dressing room.
When pressed about Rohit's availability, Gambhir responded cryptically: "Everything is fine with Rohit, and I don't think it’s anything traditional," he said when asked why Rohit was absent from the usual media duties.
Previously, in a post-match press conference following India's crushing 184-run defeat in the fourth Test on Monday, Rohit candidly addressed his frustrations as captain.
"I stand where I am standing today. There is nothing to think about what has happened in the past. Obviously, few results have not gone our way. As a captain, yes, that is disappointing," said Rohit.
For the unversed, the Sharma-less India were all out for 185 runs in their first innings on the opening day of the final Test.
- Rohit Sharma
