Sydney, January 4: Indian batter Rohit Sharma, addressing rumors about his retirement, clarified on Saturday that he has not stepped away from cricket but chose to sit out the ongoing Sydney Test due to poor form.
“I am not retiring. I took a break from this match because the bat wasn’t working,” the 37-year-old said during an interview at tea on Day 3 of the fifth Test against Australia. “I am a sensible, mature man and a father of two. I know what I’m doing. People with a laptop or a camera will not decide any player’s future.”
Rohit’s exclusion from the playing XI for the final match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy had fueled speculations of an impending retirement. Instead, the veteran batter offered a candid explanation, acknowledging his recent struggles and the need to prioritize team performance.
“As it is, the batting lineup is struggling, and we can’t afford too many players out of form,” he said. Rohit, who managed only 31 runs in five innings during the series, revealed he consulted with coach Rahul Dravid and the selectors before making his decision. “They supported me, saying, ‘You’ve played for so many years and know what you’re doing.’ It was a tough call, but stepping aside was the sensible thing to do.”
The Indian opener’s performance in 2024 was lackluster, with 619 runs across 26 innings at an average of 24.76. Before Sydney, his return to the squad after the Perth Test yielded limited success, further prompting him to reflect on his role.
“I made this decision after arriving in Sydney,” Rohit revealed, dismissing speculation it followed India’s loss in Melbourne. “I had been trying, but it wasn’t happening. I had to accept reality and do what was best for the team. These decisions are never easy, but our focus has always been on winning and retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.”
Rohit reiterated his belief in a personal resurgence and downplayed criticism from external voices. “Life in cricket changes every minute. I’m optimistic things will improve, but realistic about my form right now. What someone writes or says doesn’t change my journey. After all, I’ve been playing for years and know how to make decisions for myself.”
Shifting the focus, Rohit praised stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah’s leadership. “Bumrah sets exceptional standards with the ball. Since I first saw him in 2013, his growth has been remarkable,” he remarked.
With India trailing 1-2 in the series, Shubman Gill replaced Rohit in the lineup as the visitors seek to level the series in Sydney. For now, Rohit Sharma’s message is clear: he’s stepping aside, not stepping away.
