Rohit Sharma, one of India’s premier batsmen, was conspicuously absent from the Indian playing XI in the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Sydney. This surprising exclusion of the Indian captain sparked a heated discussion, particularly with former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar raising questions about the secrecy surrounding the decision. Manjrekar, known for his candid commentary, openly criticized the Indian team management for the “mysterious” nature of Rohit Sharma’s absence from the crucial Test.
The Mysterious Absence of Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma’s exclusion from the Sydney Test was not entirely unexpected, considering his recent form in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Having accumulated only 31 runs in five innings during the series, questions had already begun to surface about his place in the squad. During a practice session before the final Test, Rohit’s performance lacked its usual intensity, signaling a possible reason for his omission.
The mystery deepened when India’s stand-in captain, Jasprit Bumrah, came forward for the coin toss. Instead of acknowledging Rohit’s absence, former India cricketer and commentator Ravi Shastri, who was hosting the toss, chose not to mention the captain’s name at all. Manjrekar, who was also present in the commentary box, expressed his confusion over Shastri’s omission, calling the situation a “cloak-and-dagger” affair.
“Why didn’t Ravi Shastri ask Bumrah about Rohit Sharma’s absence?” Manjrekar remarked during the live commentary. He pointed out that fans had a right to know why Rohit wasn’t playing, especially given the speculation surrounding his future in Test cricket.
Manjrekar Questions Rohit’s All-Time Great Status
Sanjay Manjrekar didn’t hold back in his criticism of the secrecy surrounding Rohit Sharma’s exclusion. He questioned whether Rohit truly deserved to be treated with such reverence, calling him “not an all-time great” in the context of his Test cricket record. While acknowledging Rohit’s accomplishments, Manjrekar argued that the 36-year-old opener had not yet achieved the legendary status some people attributed to him.
“Rohit has played 60-odd Tests with one overseas century and an average of just 40. I don’t get why it should be so mysterious,” Manjrekar remarked, emphasizing that players with more significant records, such as Virat Kohli, might have a more substantial claim to such treatment.
While Rohit’s career has been filled with memorable performances, particularly in limited-overs cricket, his Test cricket record remains somewhat underwhelming when compared to the elite players in the format. Despite his elegant stroke play, Rohit has often struggled in challenging overseas conditions. His recent form in the 2024 series only added fuel to the fire regarding his place in the Test squad.
Rohit Sharma’s Disappointing 2024 Test Season
Rohit Sharma’s 2024 Test season has been far from spectacular. In the 14 matches he has played this year, he managed just 619 runs in 26 innings, with an average of 24.76. These statistics indicate a significant dip in performance, especially considering the expectations placed on him as the leader of the Indian team.
The year 2024 could very well mark the end of Rohit’s Test career. At 36, with his declining form and fitness concerns, there has been increasing speculation that he might soon call it quits from the longest format of the game.
Is Rohit Sharma’s Test Career Coming to an End?
Rohit Sharma’s exclusion from the Sydney Test only added to the growing rumors regarding his future in Test cricket. As one of the most talented players in world cricket, his career has been marked by both brilliance and inconsistency. While he has proven himself in the white-ball formats, his Test career has often been marred by inconsistent performances, particularly in challenging overseas conditions.
The Indian team’s management seems to be preparing for a post-Rohit era in Test cricket, with younger players such as Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer showing promise in the longer format. As India looks ahead to the next phase of its Test journey, the exclusion of Rohit Sharma from the Sydney Test could be a pivotal moment in the captain’s career.
Conclusion: Is Rohit Sharma’s Time in Test Cricket Over?
Rohit Sharma’s exclusion from the Sydney Test and the surrounding controversy have raised important questions about his future in Test cricket. While his leadership has been commendable in limited-overs cricket, his Test career may be at a crossroads. Sanjay Manjrekar’s remarks reflect the broader debate about whether Rohit can truly be considered an all-time great in the Test format, given his underwhelming record.
With the upcoming matches and potential retirement looming large, fans and experts alike will be watching closely to see if Rohit Sharma can rediscover his form and silence his critics. However, for now, the mystery surrounding his exclusion from the final Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test adds another layer to an already complex career.
