Sunil Gavaskar claims Rohit Sharma's 'brave decision to step aside' could be career-ending

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar opened up about Rohit Sharma’s decision to "step aside" in the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. Sunil Gavaskar described Rohit Sharma’s decision as a "brave decision," as the India captain appeared "out of his depth" throughout the Australia tour.

Rohit decided to opt out of the final Test against Australia in Sydney due to his poor form. However, this move did not bring the desired outcome, as India lost the match by six wickets on Sunday, January 5. The Men in Blue lost the five-match series 1-3, their first Test series loss to Australia since the 2014-15 series.

Rohit Sharma Has Raised Big Questions About His Future – Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar stated that Rohit Sharma appeared "out of his depth" and added that opting out of the match has raised significant questions about his future in Test cricket.

"The skipper, Rohit Sharma, was out of his depth and having taken the brave decision to step aside, because of his form, he has also raised big questions about his future in Test cricket," Gavaskar wrote in his column in The Sydney Morning Herald.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Future Remains Uncertain in Test Cricket

Rohit's poor form dates back to the home series against New Zealand, where he averaged below 16 in India's 0-3 whitewash loss. He has scored only 164 runs in his last 15 Test innings, with an average under 11, and just one half-century. India has lost five of their last six Test matches under Rohit's captaincy.

Rohit scored only 31 runs in three Tests during the series. Rohit and Virat Kohli have become a point of debate among fans and former cricketers. Virat scored only 190 runs in five Tests at an average of 23.75, with 100 of those runs coming in a single innings in Perth. He was dismissed eight times in the series.

I Can't Talk About the Future of Any Player – Gautam Gambhir

India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir stated that any decisions regarding their careers would prioritize the team's best interests. He expressed confidence in their continued passion and hunger for the game, stating that both players are tough.

"I can't talk about the future of any player. It's up to them as well," Gambhir said in the post-match press conference.

Rumors about a potential rift within the Indian team had been circulating on social media, but Rohit clarified that his decision to stand down from the final Test was not a sign of retirement. Rohit emphasized that media speculation, whether from a microphone, pen, or laptop, didn’t affect him.

"I am not going anywhere. This is not a retirement or moving away from the format," Rohit Sharma told Star Sports in an explosive interview with Irfan Pathan and Jatin Sapru at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

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