After a day of debate and speculation about whether Indian captain Rohit Sharma was rested, dropped, or opted out of the fifth and final Test between India and Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the skipper has finally come forward to share his side of the story.
Not playing the final BGT game at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), many fans were curious to know if the decision came from the coach and selectors, if he was 'rested' due to a lack of runs, or if it was his own choice. This decision also sparked questions such as: "Has Rohit played his last Test? His last international game?"
At the toss, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah stated: "Our skipper has opted to rest. It shows the unity we have. We have two changes¡ªRohit has opted out."?
Later, during an interview with Star Sports alongside former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan during the lunch-time show, the Indian captain was asked, "Reports suggest you were rested, dropped, or opted out. What¡¯s the truth?" To this, Rohit replied: "None. I stood down. I told the selectors and coach that runs are not coming from my bat, so I decided to step away."?
Rohit Sharma firmly denied any speculation about his retirement. He stated that his decision to sit out of the Sydney Test was difficult but practical. "As I told you, this decision is not a retirement decision. Nor am I stepping aside from the game. There is no such decision. I am out of the game because 'bat nahi chal raha hai' (the bat is not working)," he explained.?
He continued: "There is no guarantee the bat will work after five months, or even two months. In cricket, we¡¯ve seen how everything changes¡ªevery minute, every second, every day. I believe things will change, but at the same time, I have to be realistic."?
The Indian captain also expressed that no one from the outside can decide when he should retire from the game. "Someone sitting with a mic, laptop, or pen can¡¯t decide when we should step aside or play. I¡¯ve played this game for years, and they cannot dictate when I should captain, sit out, or retire. I am a sensible man, a mature man, a father of two kids, and I have some brains!"?
?Soon after his interview, fans began praising Rohit Sharma for his selfless decision to prioritize the team over himself. The tag "Selfless" Rohit Sharma started trending, with many applauding his leadership. However, some fans chose to drag Virat Kohli into the discussion, comparing how one player decided to step down while the other continues to play despite no runs. However, the general sentiment remained positive, with fans appreciating Rohit's honesty and humility.
In Australia's first innings, they have scored 151 runs in 42 overs, losing 6 wickets. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna have each taken two wickets. The hosts currently trail by 34 runs.?
For more news and updates from the world of?OTT, and?celebrities?from?Bollywood?and?Hollywood, keep reading?Indiatimes Entertainment.?