The Border-Gavaskar Trophy could end up being a curtain call for another Indian player after former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar suggested that Rohit Sharma might retire from Test cricket if he fails to deliver in the upcoming matches.
Speaking ahead of India’s crucial Tests in Melbourne and Sydney which could decide India’s fate of the current WTC cycle, Sunil Gavaskar speculated that poor performances could lead Rohit Sharma to step down as captain and possibly retire from the format altogether. Gavaskar stated, “Rohit is not the kind of player who would allow himself to become a burden on the team. He deeply values the team’s success.”
The veteran batter added that if Rohit struggles with the bat in these matches, he might make the decision to retire without waiting for the selectors’ intervention.
Rohit’s recent form in Test cricket has raised concerns over his suitability for the format especially with the rise of younger talent. Over his last 13 Test innings, the Indian skipper has managed just 152 runs at a disappointing average of 11.83, with only one half-century to his name.
The India captain is also averaging just 26.39 runs in 2024 compared to his overall test batting average of 41.24, underscoring his struggles. Adding to his woes is that under Gautam Ghambir, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul have been the preferred opening pairings in the BGT, leading to Rohit moving down the order, which does not favor him.
If Rohit Sharma does decide to call time on his test career like Sunil Gavaskar has intimated, India already has a ready replacement in Jasprit Bumrah who led the team to the opening test win of the five-match series.
