Ravi Shastri has addressed the speculations surrounding Rohit Sharma’s career after questions raised over his captaincy. For the past few days, Rohit Sharma‘s test future has been under scrutiny after consecutive failures in the test series against New Zealand and Australia.
Under Rohit’s captaincy, India suffered a whitewash 0-3 defeat against New Zealand while trailing the series 2-1 in the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy. Additionally, Rohit’s decision-making as the Indian captain has also come under the scanner with the side facing a must-win match in Sydney to retain the trophy.
On this occasion, Rohit’s retirement has been one of the hot topics revolving around the Indian team.
The doubts have been intensified following head coach Gautam Gambhir’s press conference on Thursday where he refused to confirm whether the regular captain or his playing 11 for the fifth test. Rohit has managed just 31 runs in five innings at an average of 6.2.
Adding to the growing uncertainity, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has opened on team’s dynamics, admitted that Rohit’s career could come to a swift end if his struggles continues.
“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.
“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.”
Shastri known for his frank and candid assessments, belives Rohit needs to shed the inhibitions that have hampered his game during his lean patch. With Rohit’s form already under heave scrutiny, Shastri’s advice is straightforward “Play with freedom.”
“If I was anywhere near Rohit Sharma, I’ll tell him, ‘Just go and smash it. Just go out there and have a blast,’” Shastri said.
“Just as it is when you’re trying to play the way you are at the moment, it’s not looking great. Go out there and take the attack to the opposition and then let’s see what happens,” he added.
Australia secured a unassisable 2-1 lead in the BGT with an 184-run victory in the fourth test at Melbourne after the third match resulted in a draw. The final match of the five match series will begin on January 03 at Sydney Cricket Ground.
