Rohit Sharma's retirement all but confirmed like a Tracer Bullet

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri shared his thoughts on Rohit Sharma’s future ahead of the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25). Ravi Shastri said that he wouldn’t be surprised if Rohit Sharma retires from Test cricket after the upcoming match in Sydney on Friday, January 3.

Rohit Sharma is facing intense scrutiny due to his poor performances in the ongoing series, where he has scored only 31 runs in five innings at a dismal average of 6.2. As captain, his record has also come under fire, having lost five out of six Tests, including a 0-3 home series defeat against New Zealand.

Rohit Sharma Will Take a Call on His Career - Ravi Shastri

Speaking on The ICC Review, Ravi Shastri stated he wouldn’t be surprised if Rohit decided to retire from Tests after the upcoming fifth Test. Shastri emphasized that it could be an ideal time for Sharma to retire with a memorable performance to close his red-ball career.

“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. 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," Ravi Shastri told ICC review.

“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 Rohit Sharma plays) he should go out with a blaze of glory,” he added.

Go Out There and Take the Attack to the Opposition - Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri advised Rohit to play with more freedom and confidence. He stated that Sharma should go out and attack the opposition, rather than continuing with his current approach. Shastri added that sometimes taking a bold approach can change the game and shift momentum.

“If I was anywhere near Rohit Sharma, I'll tell him, ‘Just go and smash it. Just go out there and have a blast. 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,” Shastri said.

Gautam Gambhir Refuses to Confirm Rohit Sharma in India XI for Sydney Test

Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Thursday, January 2, India head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to confirm Rohit Sharma's inclusion in the playing XI. Gambhir mentioned that the final decision regarding the lineup would be made after assessing the pitch conditions before the toss.

Rohit has played just two Tests at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in his career. The right-handed batter has scored 170 runs at an average of 42.50, with two half-centuries. His first appearance there was during the 2014-15 tour. He recorded scores of 26 and 52 runs in his most recent outing in Sydney.

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