India might have lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 1-3, but all the talk right now is regarding Rohit Sharma and how he warmed the bench for the crucial Sydney Test, where India had a chance of levelling the series. On Day 2 of the Sydney Test, Rohit Sharma gave a candid interview to host broadcaster Star Sports, clarifying that he is not “retiring” from Tests and that he just “stood down” due to a poor string of scores.
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has taken a subtle dig at Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after their disappointing outings in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, subtly indicating that it is now up to the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar to decide if the two still deserve a place in the Test team. The call around Rohit and Kohli’s retirement has grown ever since the Adelaide Test.
Rohit Sharma’s dismal performance in BGT 2024-25 irked all the experts and fans
Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar makes massive statement on Rohit Sharma’s interview during 5th BGT 2024-25 Test
Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes that skipper Rohit Sharma’s interview on Day 2 of the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney might have stemmed from head coach Gautam Gambhir getting all the credit for his exclusion. Rohit opted out of the series finale in a shocking move, with Jasprit Bumrah taking over as captain.
With several reasons being speculated for the move, Rohit cleared the air in an interview with Star Sports during Lunch on the second day. Unfortunately, the ploy made no difference as India suffered a six-wicket defeat to lose the series 1-3.
Speaking on Star Sports about Rohit’s candid interview, Manjrekar said post-game [via India Today]:
“There was also another reason why he was doing that interview. To clear the air. Somewhere I think Gambhir was getting all the credit for a brave call by leaving Rohit Sharma out. He wanted to set the record straight. Let’s be honest.”
He added:
“I loved that interview. That first bit where he said, I couldn’t have another out-of-form batter in the XI, and that’s why he opted out. But there were some other emotions too.”
Rohit Sharma endured a dismal run in the three previous Tests he played in the Australia series prior to the Sydney outing. The veteran batter scored only 31 runs in five innings at an average of 6.20.
“Retirement is in your hands, but playing for India is not” – Sanjay Manjrekar
Despite praising Rohit Sharma for the honesty in his interview, Sanjay Manjrekar illustrated that the selectors must decide whether a player should feature in the squad. The 37-year-old has been in woeful Test form, averaging under 11 in his last 15 innings with a lone half-century.
“One thing that a lot of players say is that ‘I will decide my future’. I have a problem with that. You can decide your future with regards to retirement, but somebody else has got the job to decide your future as a player and captain. Retirement is in your hands, but playing for India is not,” said Manjrekar.
He added:
“That’s the chairman of selectors. You have got to respect the hierarchy, however big you are. If the chairman of selectors is strong and he believes in the long-term health of Indian cricket, he has the power to decide whether your career should end now, or you get a few more matches, or one more series.”
Rohit’s captaincy has also trended south, with India losing five out of their last six Tests under him.